The late
arrival of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki
(retd) in court yesterday stalled his trial before Justice Peter Affen
of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
When his case was called, Dasuki was not
in court, but counsel to the Federal Government, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs
(SAN), told the court that Dasuki had been in the custody of the
Department of State Services (DSS) since he was re-arrested last year.
Jacobs said the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was adequately informed, to liaise with the DSS to facilitate the production of Dasuki in court. He expressed surprise that the defendant did not show up.
He said the DSS claimed the notice to
produce Dasuki in court came too late hence, the defendant could not
appear. Dasuki was, however brought to court after Justice Affen
adjourned the matter to February 26.
Meanwhile, Dasuki has filed a motion
challenging his continued trial. His counsel, Chief Joseph Daodu (SAN,
sought for an order of the court prohibiting the government from further
prosecuting him or seeking any indulgence of the court until the bail
granted him by the court is obeyed
He also asked for an order to discharge
him of all the offences which he said cannot be lawfully prosecuted by
the complainant that is in contempt of the court.
In the alternative, Dasuki applied for a
mandatory order to compel the government or its agents in the EFCC and
the DSS and other enforcement agencies to always produce him to enable
the court give appropriate orders in compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
Besides, the defendant sought an order to
stay further trial in the charge against him until he has exhausted
remedies available to him to enforce his right to liberty being trampled
upon by the government in the refusal to bail which he has perfected.
Hearing of the motion has been fixed for February 26.
Source: Daily Sun
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