Ex-National Security Adviser ‘ready for trial’

By Joseph Jibueze

Released former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki, is ready to face trial, he declared on Wednesday.

Dasuki stopped appearing in court in protest against the Department of State Services (DSS) refusal to free him after being granted bail.

“We were going to court but it stopped because they(DSS) were asked to release me and they did not release me, ” Dasuki told the Voice of America (Hausa Service) after he walked out of  the security outfit’s   office on Christmas eve.

Dasuki said he “resolved that anytime they released me, I will appear before the court and defend myself. I am ready.”

The ex-NSA was freed following an order by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami after four years in the custody of the DSS.

Read Also: Aremu: Dasuki, Sowore must prove innocence on charges against them

He was accused of misappropriating $2.1 billion and award of phantom contracts to purchase 12 helicopters, four jets and ammunition for the prosecution of the war against Boko Haram.

Asked by the VOA if he felt his detention was a payback for the role he played in the 1985 coup which sacked Buhari as Head of State, Dasuki said he was not aware of such a motive.

He attributed his four year ordeal  to  God’s design and added that he bore no grudge against  the President.

The former NSA and retired Colonel said: “Nothing more. I have no problem with anybody. I am more than that. I can’t engage in a feud with anyone.

“There is no call to be made to the government. You know everything that happened to one in life is designed by God. Ignorance and lack of understanding can make one to suffer himself Anything that God destined it  to be, it will be.

“You said I spent four years in detention, it is over today. Only God knows everything that will happen tomorrow.

“What is important is for everybody to be fair. Everybody who is a Muslim and who goes to the mosque knows that what the Imam preaches every day is   the need for people to be fair and honest. There is a reason for this and we need to listen.”