Sambo Dasuki protests planned secret trial by FG

Following the filing of fresh charges of illegal possession of foreign and local currencies said to have found in the houses of former National security Adviser, 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 immediate past National Security Adviser (NSA) on a day set aside for definite hearing on the one count charge preferred against him.


Recall that on September 1 this year, 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.

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.

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 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.

He 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.