Sambo Dasuki who is being accused of embezzling multi-billion dollar arms funds, has reacted to the FG's request for a secret trial, and cried out today in court, saying his prosecution was the fallout of a vendetta.
Sambo Dasuki heading to the court for his trial
Speaking through his legal counsel, Joseph Daodu (SAN), the embattled former national security adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, on Thursday, told a federal high court in Abuja that he was being punished by some persons in power for perceived grievances they have against him.
The former security chief who is reacting to the President Buhari-led federal government’s request for a secret trial, did not name any particular person, but said that his prosecution was the fallout of a vendetta, adding that he has handed his case to God for the ultimate judgment.
“It is crystal clear that the defendant (Dasuki) is being punished by the powers that be for the perceived offences committed long before… we leave them to the Almighty God for his ultimate judgment,” he said.
It was reported that the federal government had approached the court, seeking a secret trial for the former NSA, who is facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms, money laundering and criminal breach of trust.
In the fresh motion argued by the prosecuting counsel, Dipo Okpeseyi (SAN), federal government prayed the court to allow witnesses give evidence behind a screen.
He argued that the request was because Dasuki was a former top security chief, who has large loyalists across the country who may jeopardise the trial if it was done in the open.
Okpeseyi cited the case of a government witness who was involved in an accident, resulting in multiple fractures and injuries. Although, he did not say Dasuki was responsible for it, he said the incident heightened the need to protect the witnesses.
Daodu opposed the request. His argument was that it would breach the principle of fair trial. After listening to the arguments, Ademola adjourned to September 13.