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The Federal Government must conclude the prosecution of Sambo Dasuki by September 24-26, presenting all witnesses and evidence in court
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Over $150,000 and ₦37.6 million found at Dasuki’s residences will be tendered as exhibits; Dasuki will open his defense afterward
The Federal High Court in Abuja has given the Federal Government until September 24, 25, and 26 to conclude its decade-long trial of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).
Justice Peter Lifu directed the government to present any remaining witnesses and tender all outstanding exhibits to support its allegations of unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering. Dasuki, who has been charged since 2015 under the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, is also expected to open his defence on those dates.
During the last hearing, government witness Monsur Mohammed testified that security operatives searched Dasuki’s homes in Abuja, Kaduna, and Sokoto after his arrest. Mohammed, an exhibits keeper with the Department of State Services (DSS), listed items found at the Abuja residence in Asokoro.
These included laptops, mobile phones, cheque books, cash, a visa card, CDs, and banking documents. Justice Lifu admitted the items as exhibits, following no objection from Dasuki’s lawyer, Ahmed Usman.
At another residence in Sabo Birni, Sokoto State, $150,000 and ₦37.6 million were recovered and deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The prosecution indicated plans to present the cash in court as evidence. However, at the Sokoto home on Sultan Abubakar Road, nothing was found.
The government’s lawyer requested an adjournment to gather other recovered items for presentation in court. Granting the request, Justice Lifu stressed that the prosecution must close its case on the set September dates, after which Dasuki will present his defence.