Ex-NSA, Sambo Dasuki Protests Planned Secret Trial By FG

Posted by Samuel on Mon 26th Oct, 2015 - tori.ng

The embattled former National Securty Adviser to Goodlck Jonathan has objected to the alleged adopted pattern of his trial after fresh charges were filed against him.

Sambo Dasuki

Following the filing of fresh charges of illegal possession of foreign and local currencies said to have been found in the houses of Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), the ex-NSA has protested the plan by the Federal Government to arraign him in a secret trial.

At the resumed hearing of the earlier charge of possession of illegal firearms filed against Dasuki Monday, Justice Ademola Adeniyi of the Federal High Court Six, sitting in Abuja expressed surprise at the decision of prosecution counsel to bring additional charges against Dasuki on a day set aside for definite hearing on the one count charge preferred against him.

Dasuki arriving court

It will be recalled that on September 1, prosecution counsel, Mohammed Diri, had told the court that Dasuki was charged with the unlawful possession of firearms without a licence which Dasuki pleaded not guilty to.

Justice Ademola then granted Mr. Dasuki bail on self-recognition but ordered that his passport and other travel documents be deposited with the Deputy Court Registrar while the case was adjourned to October 26 and 27 for the hearing.

Dasuki in court

When the court sat today (October 26, 2015) however, M.S. Labaran, appearing for the prosecution announced instead that the one count charge was now being expanded to include additional charges bothering on illegal possession of various amounts of local and foreign currency in his Abuja residence and family house in Sokoto contrary to Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

Labaran also requested that the trial be conducted in secrecy by providing special cover for witnesses from using public routes; use of private witness room; use of facial masks; and also that only accredited members of the press be allowed to cover the trial.