Sambo Dasuki, former national
security adviser (NSA), says there is no need to submit himself for prosecution
since the federal government does not obey court orders.
His position was contained in a
letter dated November 12, addressed to the court 5 registrar of the Abuja
federal high court.
The former NSA is standing trial
for alleged illegal possession of firearms and diversion $2.1 billion from his
office.
The retired colonel who was
arrested in 2015 by the Department of State Services (DSS) has been granted
bail six times but he has not been released.
Dasuki said the government’s
decision to continue detaining him despite several court orders “is wrong and
arbitrary”.
“The resolve to continue
detaining me, against the several orders of court and in brazen violation of
the constitution is wrong and arbitrary. It has inflicted physical, emotional
and psychological torture on my family and me,” he said.
“The decision of the federal
government of Nigeria 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 obeys the orders of
any court of law. Whether domestic or international. Ironically, the federal
government still wants to ride on judicial wings time prosecute me, when it
does not comply with the orders that proceed from court, especially if 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 absolve me of the need to submit myself for prosecution.
Justice should be evenly dispensed, as opposed to same, being in favour of of
the federal government of Nigeria.”
After the letter was read at the
court on Tuesday, Dipo Okpeseyi, prosecuting counsel, prayed for the
continuation of Dasuki’s trial in his absence.
But the court declined his
request.
“Any day that the defendant is
absence in court and the prosecution believes that the defendant is unwilling
to attend trial, the prosecution should swear an affidavit to show that the
defendant has wilfully refused to come to court,” Ahmed Mohammed, the judge,
ruled.
Mohammed adjourned the matter
till November 19 for the prosecution to comply with court orders.
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