Former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Col. Sambo Dasuki
By JOY ADARA, Abuja-
Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Federal Government to finalize its case against former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), by September, in a trial over alleged illegal firearms possession and money laundering that has dragged on for 10 years.
Justice Peter Lifu scheduled September 24, 25, and 26 for the prosecution to present any remaining witnesses and evidence in the case, which began in 2015 with a seven-count amended charge.
Dasuki is set to begin his defense once the prosecution concludes.
During the latest hearing, prosecution witness Monsur Mohammed, a Department of State Services (DSS) exhibits keeper, testified about searches conducted at Dasuki’s residences in Abuja, Kaduna, and Sokoto following his arrest.
At his Abuja home on 46 Nelson Mandela Street, Asokoro, items recovered included two Freedom Radio CDs, two GT Bank cheque books, two Blackberry phones, a Nokia phone, a flash drive, an Apple laptop, a statement of account, a Visa card, an approval letter for Afri-Media Integrated Ltd’s radio station, a CD on Mohammed Yusuf’s arrest and execution, $500, and 533 Saudi Riyal. These were admitted as Exhibits MSD 015 to 034 without objection from Dasuki’s counsel, Ahmed Usman.
At Dasuki’s Sabo Birni residence in Sokoto, $150,000 was reportedly found and deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria, with the prosecution planning to present the cash as evidence. No items were recovered from his Sultan Abubakar Road property in Sokoto.
The prosecution, led by Oladipupo Okpeseyi (SAN), requested an adjournment to present additional items from the searches.
Justice Lifu granted the request but directed the government to conclude its case by the September dates, allowing Dasuki to open his defense.
The trial is adjourned to September 24, 25, and 26.
