The trial of the immediate past National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo
Dasuki is set to continue on Monday at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Justice Adeniyi Ademola had fixed Monday for continuation of hearing
after the prosecution counsel added a fresh charge of money laundering
to the one on arms possession for which he was initially charged.
Also, at the last hearing, the Nigerian government sought a court
decision to allow witnesses presented by the prosecution to wear face
mask.
The request was opposed by the defence counsel led by Joseph Daudu
who argued that a democratic government needs not conduct secret trials.
However, Mr. Daudu also asked the court to release the travel
documents of the accused so that he could travel abroad for medical
check-up.
According to him, Mr. Dasuki was billed to travel a day after his
arrest for medical treatment; but the arrest and trial had so far
prevented him from doing so.
M. S. Labaran, who appeared for the prosecution, requested an
adjournment to be able to react to the motion for the release of Mr.
Dasuki’s travel documents.
ObinitonREPORTS gathered that the Nigerian government will
oppose the request and has perfected plans to stop Mr. Dasuki’s efforts
to seek medical treatment abroad.
A source familiar with the matter said the government has already
gotten a written commitment from the National Hospital in Abuja saying
the Hospital has the capacity to treat Mr. Dasuki on the ailment he is
claiming he has.
“However how the Doctors arrive at that conclusion is surprising
because they have not been able to diagnose him to arrive at their
conclusions.
“He was never a patient at the Hospital and they don’t have his medical history,” the source said.
The spokesperson of National Hospital, Tayo Hastrup, said he would respond to a ObinitonREPORTS enquiry on the matter on Monday.
Mr. Dasuki was arrested in August by the State Security Services, shortly after he was removed by President Muhammadu Buhari. On September 1, the prosecution counsel, Mohammed Diri, told the
court that Mr. Dasuki was charged with the unlawful possession of
firearms without a licence. The former NSA pleaded not guilty.
The judge granted Mr. Dasuki bail on self-recognition but ordered
that his passport and other travel documents be deposited with the
deputy court registrar while the case was adjourned to October 26 and 27
for definite hearing.
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