Trial of former NSA, Sambo Dasuki, commences

The immediate past National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), will Tuesday begin his defence at the Federal High Court Abuja for alleged possession of firearms without licence, which the Department of State Security (DSS) linked to “treason.”

This is coming two months after his house was searched and passport seized by operatives of the DSS who formally charged him to court last week.

Dasuki’s defence will be spearheaded by renowned legal luminary, Joseph Daudu (SAN), will lead a team of lawyers in  case that has been taken over by the Ministry of Justice.

To this end, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, is said to have assigned the case to the vacation judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola.

The DSS had last week announced the move to try former NSA in a statement signed by Mr. Tony Opuiyo, citing credible intelligence.

“You may recall that on 16th July, 2015, the DSS, carried out a search operation on properties belonging to Dasuki in Abuja and Sokoto,” Opuiyo said.

According to him, this action was necessitated by credible intelligence which linked him to acts capable of undermining national security.

“The search operation led to the recovery of large cache of arms and ammunition among other things and for which further investigation was conducted.

“Consequently, on Monday, August 24, 2015, he was charged to court based on evidence so far obtained, but which relates to possession of fire arms without licence punishable under section 27(i)(a)(i) of the Firearms Act Cap F28 LFN 2004,” Opuiyo said.

He insisted that this was in line with democratic practice and our avowed commitment to the rule of law, in which nobody is deemed to be above the law no matter how highly placed in the society, just as he further assured that the general public will be duly informed as the matter progresses.

“The service (DSS) recommits itself to the fundamental role of providing adequate security for all Nigerians to enable them pursue their legitimate aspirations and businesses,” he continued.

Recall that they invaded Dasuki’s Abuja and Sokoto homes over a month ago barely two days after handing over to his successor, Maj-Gen. Babagana Mongonu (rtd), carting away nine cars, and some rifles.

Speaking on his 24-hour ordeal as the DSS operatives laid siege to his residence, Dasuki had said: “The SSS operatives came in two trucks with a search warrant from a Magistrate Court. The warrant gave them the power to search for ‘illegal weapons and any incriminating item.You can imagine what that is supposed to mean.

“I left office on Tuesday and they got the warrant on Wednesday and executed it by 6p.m. on Thursday. From 6p.m. on Thursday, throughout the night till about 6a.m. this morning (Friday), they were searching my house looking for incriminating items.

“They restricted my movement. I cannot go out and no one can visit me. All those who attempted to see me were stopped from doing so. In fact, my son was blocked from entering my residence. My two cooks, who used to come from their homes to prepare my meals, were also disallowed from leaving my house. The only person allowed was the man who feeds my dogs. And he only related with the dogs”.