Again, Dasuki’s lawyer kicks against secret trial as FG re-arraigns ex-NSA

Mr Ahmed Raji (SAN), counsel to the former National Security Adviser, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, on Thursday insisted that the Federal High Court Abuja should not accept an application by the Federal Government to secretly try his client.

This came following notice by counsel to the Federal Government, Mr Oladipo Okpeseyi, informing the court of its pending application before it seeking protection for witnesses billed to testify in the trial of Dasuki.

The notice came following the re-arraignment of the former NSA before Justice Ahmed Mohammed on a seven-count amended charge.

Among other things, the Federal Government accused Dasuki in the amended charges of being in possession of prohibited firearms without requisite licence in July 2015, contrary to Section 28 of the Firearms Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

It also levelled a money laundering charge against Dasuki, claiming, that $40,000, N5million and €20,000 were found in his house in July 2015.

The money was said to be proceeds of an unlawful act contrary to Section 15 (3) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act.

The amended charge also stated that $150,000 and another N37million, being proceeds of an unlawful act was also found in his Sokoto residence in July 2015.

Dasuki pleaded not guilty to all the seven counts.

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Okpeseyi told the court that he was ready for trial but had a motion pending before the court to seek protection for witnesses billed to testify against Dasuki.

In his reaction, Raji opposed the application for witness protection arguing that the motion was filed since June 3, 2016 and was predicated on the old charge.

According to Raji, the prosecution had on January 23 filed an application on the same issue and wondered why the prosecution chose to “dance backward” to the motion of 2016 instead of going forward with that of 2017.

He prayed the court to give him time to examine the counter-affidavit filed by his client against the 2016 motion to enable him respond appropriately as required by law.

Earlier, Raji prayed the court to allow the defendant enjoy the bail conditions earlier granted him.

His prayer was granted as Justice Mohammed affirmed the bail conditions granted Dasuki in the amended charges of unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering.

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