#DasukiGate: Jurist Shocks At Dasuki’s Absence In Court; Orders His Appearance Feb. 16

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Wednesday, January 20th, 2016

By Ganiyu Nasirudeen

Justice Adeniyi Ademola of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja Wednesday ordered those in the custody of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) to produce him so as to continue with his financial crimes related trial.

The ex-NSA is standing trial of four-count charge; including misappropriation of $2.1Billion arms purchase money as well as illegal possession of arms. He has also been accused with other suspects, under the infamous #DasukiGate.

Justice Ademola held that the suspect must be produced by the Federal Government (FG) and physically present to face the alleged criminal charges against him.

The jurist expressed concern over Dasuki’s absence in the court and explained that he did not wish to set a “bad precedent”. He maintained that except the court gives express order for the defendant not to be in court, the retired Colonel must be produced by the FG or whoever that is keeping him and subsequently be made to appear in court.

Justice Ademola retorted he doubted the legality of his action, as the accused was not present in the court to respond to the charges against him, contending further that the suspect by standard must appear in court on every appointed day.

The Judge then ordered that Dasuki must be produced Tuesday, February 16, 2016 for his trial proper to commence.

Following the development, the prosecution Counsel, Mr. Dipo Okpeseyi withdrew an application opposing Dasuki’s bail application. Justice Ademola sustained the request and subsequently struck out the application.

It would be recalled Justice Ademola while Dasuki’s trial began last year, ordered his international passport to be released, so as to allow him travel abroad to attend to his alleged impair health.
President Muhammadu also late December last year admitted that FG could not stand Dasuki’s release, giving the weight of allegations against him.

Public opinion has divided with respect to the FG decline to court orders relating to Dasuki’s bail and release. While some consider the situation as an affront to the Judiciary, others maintained that an accused can be arrested repeatedly, despite court pronouncements.