Court orders trial of Dasuki in absentia

by Bridget Edokwe · November 20, 2018

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the trial of former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki in his absence following his nonappearance in court.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed on Monday ruled that Dasuki’s excuse not to attend trial as contained in his letter to the court dated November 12, 2018 “has nothing to do with the case in court.”

The judge subsequently invoked the provisions of Section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to order Dasuki’s trial in his absence.

“The reasons for the defendant’s refusal to appear in court have nothing to do with the case at hand. This court has not denied the defendant any of his right,” the Judge said.

Earlier, prosecution counsel, Okpeseyi (SAN) had told the court that Dasuki had absented himself from court on four occasions on issues that are not before the court, adding that “to confirm the effrontery, he has written the court.”

He therefore urged the court to compel Dasuki to appear and face his trial or dispense with his appearance.

But defence counsel, Victor Okwudiri asked the court to dismiss the application contained in an affidavit for not bearing the stamp and seal as provided in Rule 10(1) (2) of the Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers.

He said the prosecution did not comply with order of court to give evidence on why Dasuki was absent from court.

Dasuki, who is facing five-count charges of unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering, had in the letter protested his continued detention by at the Department of State Services (DSS) despite different orders from the courts for his release.

The trial has been adjourned to December 11 for trial.