Sambo
Dasuki who is being accused of embezzling multi-billion dollar arms
funds, has reacted to the FG's request for a secret trial, and cried out
today in court, saying his prosecution was the fallout of a vendetta.
Sambo Dasuki heading to the court for his trial
Speaking through his legal counsel, Joseph Daodu (SAN), the
embattled former national security adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, on
Thursday, told a federal high court in Abuja that he was being punished
by some persons in power for perceived grievances they have against him.
The former security chief who is reacting to the President
Buhari-led federal government’s request for a secret trial, did not name
any particular person, but said that his prosecution was the fallout of
a vendetta, adding that he has handed his case to God for the ultimate
judgment.
“It is crystal clear that the defendant (Dasuki) is being
punished by the powers that be for the perceived offences committed long
before… we leave them to the Almighty God for his ultimate judgment,” he said.
It was reported that the federal government had approached the
court, seeking a secret trial for the former NSA, who is facing charges
of unlawful possession of firearms, money laundering and criminal breach
of trust.
In the fresh motion argued by the prosecuting counsel, Dipo
Okpeseyi (SAN), federal government prayed the court to allow witnesses
give evidence behind a screen.
He argued that the request was because Dasuki was a former top
security chief, who has large loyalists across the country who may
jeopardise the trial if it was done in the open.
Okpeseyi cited the case of a government witness who was involved in
an accident, resulting in multiple fractures and injuries. Although, he
did not say Dasuki was responsible for it, he said the incident
heightened the need to protect the witnesses.
Daodu opposed the request. His argument was that it would breach
the principle of fair trial. After listening to the arguments, Ademola
adjourned to September 13.
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