Monday 26 October 2015

FG, DSS May Press for Secret Trial, Further Charges against Dasuki Today

The federal government and Department of State Service (DSS) are allegedly pushing for the secret trial of the immediate past National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), at the Federal High Court (FHC) Abuja today.

THISDAY reliably gathered yesterday that the prosecutors have filed a motion which could paved the way for the non-public trial of Dasuki, who was accused of unlawful possession of firearms, bail on self recognition.


To this end, the DSS is said to have  “brought a motion for its witnesses to wear masks to testify against the former NSA.”

“Remember their principal witness has been retired, so they may want to bring somebody to take his place,” the source alleged.

In addition, the source said that federal government might  “also bring charges on money laundering against the former NSA... and I am sure his lawyers may likely file an objection to the alleged secret trial  and masking of witnesses.”

Dasuki whose prosecution on firearm offences has been the subject of speculation in the past two months, and was placed on trial by the federal government which alleged that the ex-security chief possessed ammunition without the requisite licence to do so.

This was after the one-count charge did not contain the allegation of treason, which was one of the major reasons earlier tabled by DSS.

The DDS had, prior to Dasuki’s trial, in a statement signed by Mr. Tony Opuiyo, cited credible intelligence and the case was subsequently transferred to the Ministry of Justice to handle on behalf of the federal government.

But Justice Adeniyi Ademola after entertaining arguments from both the prosecuting and defence counsel granted bail to Dasuki who promised to submit all his international passports to the court and make himself available for trial and investigation.

Justice Ademola had adjourned to today for the resumed trial.
Credit: THISDAY

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