Former Nigerian National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) has written to the Federal High Court in Abuja demanding to be excused from further appearance for his trial.
In the letter dated November 12, 2018 and addressed to the Registrar of the Federal High Court Abuja, Dasuki, who is facing trial over illegal possession of arms, money laundering, alleged diversion of $2.1billion arms fund, among others, accused the President Muhammadu Buhari administration of high-handedness and hypocrisy in the conduct of his trial.
He listed the various orders for his bail including that by the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice which he said the Federal Government failed to obey, stressing that it was ironical that it still wants the indulgence of the judiciary for his prosecution.
Dasuki said he became worried after the president, during his maiden media chat on December 30, 2015 said the weight of crimes he committed against the Nigerian state were such that he would jump bail if allowed any form of freedom.
He added that the statement was reiterated by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) on July 13 when he said that the Federal Government would not release him even if there was a court order.
The letter read: “The resolve to continue to detain me against the several orders of court and in brazen violation of the constitution is wrongful and arbitrary. It has inflicted physical, emotional and psychological torture on my family and me.
“The decision of the Federal Government is not only high-handed, it is also arbitrary and in violation of both domestic and international laws on human rights.
“At this juncture, it will seem that the Nigerian Government is not inclined to yield or obey the orders of any court of law; whether domestic or international. Ironically, the Federal Government still wants to ride on judicial wings to prosecute me when it does not comply with the orders that proceed from the court especially in relation to me.
“Since the Federal Government has resolved not to comply with judicial orders directing my release, it is better for the court to also absolve me of the need to submit myself for further prosecution. Justice should be evenly dispensed, as opposed to same, being in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
Following Dasuki’s absence in court on Tuesday, the prosecution counsel, Dipo Okpeseyi (SAN) asked the court to proceed with Dasuki’s trial in absentia in line with Section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
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