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Tag: Dasuki

  • Update: DSS arrests Dasuki, Bafarawa, Dokpesi in EFCC net

    Update: DSS arrests Dasuki, Bafarawa, Dokpesi in EFCC net

    After a month siege and legal fireworks, the Department of State Security Service (DSS) on Tuesday arrested a former National Security Adviser, Mr. Sambo Dasuki for interrogation on the $2b arms deals.

    Dasuki is expected to be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after relevant security checks by the DSS.

    The EFCC also intensified the ongoing probe of the arms deals by arresting ex-Governor Attahiru Bafarawa and the Emeritus Chairman of Africa Independent Television (AIT), High Chief Raymond Dokpesi.

    While Dokpesi was picked up for allegedly collecting N2.1billion from the Office of the NSA, Bafarawa hauled N100million cash at a go.

    The EFCC has however launched manhunt for a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mohammed Haliru Bello, in connection with some diverted arms cash.

    But at time of filing this report, one of the suspects in EFCC custody has refunded N200million.

    He also pleaded for bail to source about N1billion credited to him as diverted funds.

     

  • $2b arms deals: DSS arrests Dasuki

    $2b arms deals: DSS arrests Dasuki

    The Department of State Security (DSS) has arrested a former National Security Adviser, Mr. Sambo Dasuki.

    The DSS operatives whisked Dasuki away to its headquarters early Tuesday morning for interrogation in connection with $2billion arms deals.

    The ex-NSA’s arrest came barely 14 hours after a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda and 20 others were picked up by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the arms deal.

    Dasuki’s arrest ended a month-long siege and legal ding-dong between him and the DSS.

     

  • Dasuki: AGF, SGF shun court

    Dasuki: AGF, SGF shun court

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) and the Solicitor General of the Federation (SGF), Taiwo Abidogun Monday went back on their words to attend proceedings in the case involving former National Security Adviser (NSA),Sambo Dasuki in compliance with an earlier order of the court.

    Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja on November 13 ordered the AGF to appear before his court on November 16 in relation to the controversy surrounding the Dasuki case.

    The judge’s invitation to the AGF was informed by complaint by Dasuki’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN) that, despite the order made by the court on November 3, allowing Dasuki to travel abroad, he was being prevented from embarking on the trip by security agents, who have allegedly laid siege on his Abuja home.

    On November 16, the AGF stayed away, but was represented by Abidogun, who was accompanied by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Muhammad Diri. Abidogun told the court that he and the AGF were just appointed and were yet to be fully briefed about the activities of the Federal Ministry of Justice, particularly in relation to the Dasuki case.

    Abidogun sought for time to enable him and the AGF study the case and decide on what necessary steps to take.

    He urged the court to adjourn to November 23.

    Neither the AGF nor the SGF was in court at the resumed hearing Monday. In their place, the DPPF appeared, but refused to address the issue either the AGF or SGF was to address.

    Instead, Diri applied to the court to compel Dasuki to attend court.

    He noted that Dasuki had been absent in court during the last three adjournments without an order of the court dispensing with his presence.

    He denied that the state had flouted the court’s order granting Dasuki the permission to travel.

    He faulted Dasuki’s lawyer’s argument that the state should be made to account for why it allegedly flouted the order, noting that there were no pending contempt proceedings against the prosecution.

    Daudu objected to Diri’s application that his client be compelled to attend court despite that state’s agents alleged laid siege on his Abuja home by state’s agents.

    He urged the court not to grant any indulgence to the prosecution until the AGF appear to explain why the November 3 order has not been obeyed.

    Justice Ademola adjourned to November 26 for ruling.

    Before the court adjourned, Diri also told the court that the prosecution has filed a fresh application seeking an order revoking the bail granted the defendant (Dasuki) on September1 this year.

    The application is hinged on the ground that Dasuki was being investigated in relation to his alleged involvement in the mismanagement of funds meant for the purchase of arms and military equipment under the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

    “Interim report as submitted to the Federal Government indicated that resources running into over $2billion were allegedly corruptly embezzled and the investigation is unfolding further facts that require the presence of the respondent to assist in the investigation.

    “As a result of the interim report submitted to the Federal Government, there is a government directive for the arrest of all those indicted by the report, including the defendant. The public interest of the nation is at stake and investigation has to be properly conducted to logical conclusion.

    “The on-going investigation, which borders on money laundering against the defendant has also not been concluded and there is fear that investigation might be tampered with on account of foreign visit by the respondent before the completion of investigation.

    “Intelligence revealed that the defendant has concluded plans to take advantage of the order of this court releasing his international passport to escape justice and tamper with ongoing investigation.”

    It stated that it had received information from the National Hospital, Abuja that the ailment complained about by Dasuki, and for which he seeks to travel abroad was “not a life threatening ailment and facilities are locally available for the treatment.

    Dasuki is said to be suffering from colorectal cancer, a form of cancer that affects the cells of the colon or the rectum.

    The Chief medical Director of the National Hospital, Dr. J.A.F. Momoh, in a letter written in response to inquiry by the Solicitor General of the Federation (SGF), Taiwo Abidogun on whether Dasuki’s ailment could be treated in the country, answered in the affirmative.

    Part of the letter dated October 26, 2015 reads; “the treatment of colorectal cancer involves pre-treatment investigations, which include untrasound, computerized scanner and other laboratory tests to facilitate surgery.

    “These investigations as well as the surgical expertise for surgical treatment of this lesion are available at the National Hospital as well as some teaching hospitals in Nigeria. Following the surgery, there is almost always need for adjuvant chemotherapy, which are equally available in Nigeria.

    “I submit that facilities needed to treat colorectal cancer, including external beam radiotherapy in very advanced colorectal cancer are available in National Hospital, Abuja.”

     

  • Dasuki won’t go down quietly

    Dasuki won’t go down quietly

    Reacting to President Muhammadu Buhari’s order for his arrest, former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), suggested last week that the government would be committing an illegality to do so. They should go to court and get the ruling that admitted him to bail overturned, he argued. The president had reportedly ordered the Department of State Service (DSS) to effect the arrest of the former NSA and a number of other top former security officers. It is unlikely Col. Dasuki can prevent his arrest eventually.

    Meanwhile the bedraggled former NSA has given a very dark hint he won’t go down without fighting or even quietly. Said he: “I have a lot to tell Nigerians, but in the interim, they should not believe some of the allegations as gospel truth. The good thing is that some of the key actors in the present administration were part of the past process being viciously challenged. As for my tenure as the nation’s NSA, I acted in the interest of the nation and with utmost fear of God. I did not use the office for any self-serving agenda. I occupied the Office of the National Security Adviser at a difficult moment in Nigerian history when terrorism was at its peak and I am leaving posterity to judge me accordingly.”

    Col. Dasuki also added that he awarded no contracts and was nothing but the clearing house, while the president approved all contracts. If the trial eventually starts, perhaps the NSA will come clean on the hiring and funding of South African mercenaries to fight Boko Haram. If the trial does start and the government does not compel a secret trial, then Nigerians will enjoy a rivetting drama. It is also not clear yet what the other officers ordered arrested would disclose. Given the apparent promise by the president to Dr Jonathan indicating that he had nothing to worry about personally, no one knows just how far the revelations will go and their implications and imputations. More crucially, at what point would the president draw his arbitrary line to check someone determined not to go down quietly?

     

  • Ex-NSA Dasuki: I’m ready for trial

    Ex-NSA Dasuki: I’m ready for trial

    Former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki vowed yesterday to defend his integrity, saying  he is ready for trial over the N644billion arms deals probe panel says are fraudulent.

    He said he acted in the interest of the country and with the fear of God while in office.

    He also said that contrary to the claim of the Presidency, he submitted a comprehensive list of arms procured to President Muhammadu Buhari before leaving office.

    He said all contracts and payments were approved by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Dasuki, in a statement he personally signed, declared that he was prepared to meet the Federal Government in court.

    He said he had a lot to tell Nigerians, except for the security of the country which was guiding him.

    He said: “In a theatrical manner, the Presidency fed the public with many allegations against my person and yet to be named former public officers.

    “To draw sympathy, the Presidency quoted some absurd findings, including extra-budgetary interventions; award of fictitious contracts; 53 failed contracts;  payment for jobs without contractual agreements; non-execution of contracts for the purchase of four Alpha jets, bombs and ammunition.

    “For undiscerning Nigerians, they may tend to assume that the allegations were true and pronounce the former National Security Adviser guilty as charged.

    “The statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, who should know better as a former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and a witness to history, was nothing sort of propaganda to cast aspersions on Dasuki.

    “To set the records straight, Nigerians should appreciate that the AVM Jon Ode-led panel did not invite the ex-NSA under any guise before arriving at its ambiguous findings.

    “ At least, fairness demands that the panel ought to hear from Dasuki instead of its recourse to hasty conclusions.

    “ If the panel had been more patient and painstaking, it would have been availed of all relevant documents on some of the jaundiced findings.

    “As if acting a script, the Presidency alleged that the panel accused Dasuki of awarding fictitious contracts between March 2012 and March 2015.

    “Contrary to this claim, Dasuki was not the NSA in March 2012 and he could not have awarded any contract in whatever name. The ex-NSA was appointed by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on June 22, 2012.”

    The ex-NSA also explained that all arms contracts and payments were approved by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    He said all the services acknowledged the delivery of military equipment supplied to them.

    He added: “All contracts and accruing payments were with the approval of the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces. Once the ex-President approved, the former NSA paid.  So, there was due process for every purchase in line with regulations guiding arms procurement for the Armed Forces.

    “And Nigerians should note that all the services generated the types of equipment needed, sourced for suppliers most times and after consideration by the Office of the NSA, the President will approve application for payment. “

    Dasuki said the conclusions of the panel were presumptive, baseless and lacked diligence.

    He said: “For sensitive sectors (military/security), there was no room for awarding fictitious contracts. The conclusions of the panel were presumptive, baseless and lacked diligence.

    “There were no fictitious contracts; contract sums were not diverted and the relevant services in writing acknowledged delivery of equipment. For all procurements, the Nigerian Army, the Air Force and the Nigerian Navy have their contractors.

    “While awaiting judicial process on these allegations, it is proper to make some references to show that the Presidency was just desperate to hang some former public and military officers who served this nation at the risk of their lives.

    “It is laughable for the panel to assume that 4 Alpha jets and 12 helicopters were undelivered. In a memo to the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA), referenced NAF/905/D/CAS of November 28, 2014, the immediate past Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal  Adesola Amosu acknowledged the receipt of the 4x Alpha jets attack aircraft and the helicopters.

    “On 10/21/14, the Chief of Air Staff also confirmed the receipt of F-7 N1 aircraft combination of 250kg bombs and accessories at $2,894,000 with the cost of freight at $1,200,000. The same Air Force confirmed getting 2xTri Shield 36DG Tactical radars.

    “In another letter of December 1, 2014 signed by L.S. Alao(on behalf of the Chief of Air Staff), the Air Force said it received five containerised fuel storage and dispensing units with equipment.

    “The Nigerian Army wrote the ONSA to acknowledge the delivery of 14 armoured tanks. In a December 13, 2014 memo, the Brigade of Guards thanked ONSA for releasing N30m for RCA, Operation allowance for Troops on Op Urban Sweep II for third and fourth quarters of 2014. This is apart from the installation of CCT Cameras at the Brigade Headquarters, 2 backscatter bomb detection vans and other equipment.

    “”On November 26, 2014, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, sought for approval of the award of one pair of uniform(in the interim) for the Armed Forces at N165, 375 to El-Jahab Mubarak Nigeria and N330,750,000 for two pairs.

    “These are some of the acknowledgment letters submitted to me by the end-users(the services). It is not for me to go and find out whether the equipment were delivered or not. I am not the one keeping the inventories.”

    He said he submitted the list of arms and ammunition bought to President Muhammadu Buhari before leaving office.

    He added: “To show that I have nothing to hide, I submitted a comprehensive list of all requests for procurements by the services, the items bought and those equipment being awaited to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari long before I left office.

    “ If there were issues, I should have been questioned. I was just the clearing house, I did not award contracts to my company or proxies. There was no contract awarded or equipment bought without approval from the then President and Commander-In-Chief. I am not a thief or treasury looter as being portrayed.”

    He said he was prepared for trial to clear the air on the arms deals.

    Dasuki added: “In order not to endanger the nation’s security, there are many salient issues and contracts which I cannot put in public domain. I am ready for trial on all these allegations in order to prove to Nigerians that I did nothing untoward in office. We will certainly meet in court.

    “I have a lot to tell Nigerians but in the interim, they should not believe some of the allegations as the gospel truths. The good thing is that some of the key actors in the present administration were parts of the past process being viciously challenged.

    “As for my tenure as the nation’s NSA, I acted in the interest of the nation and with utmost fear of God. I did not use the office for any self-serving agenda. I occupied the Office of the National Security Adviser at a difficult moment in Nigerian history when terrorism was at its peak and I am leaving posterity to judge me accordingly.”

     

  • Arms deals: Buhari orders arrest of Dasuki, others

    Arms deals: Buhari orders arrest of Dasuki, others

    Panel unveils how Nigeria was duped

    facts & figures

    • N643.8b •$2.1b

    Extra budgetry interventions

    • $2.3b •N13.7b

    Failed contracts (53 out of 513 awarded between 2007&2015)

    • N3.8b

    Cash paid to company without evidence of any contract

    • N2.2b•$1.6b •€9.9b

    Fictitous contracts awarded

    • Four Alpha jets
    • 12 helicopters •Bombs & ammunition

    Equipment purportedly paid for but not supplied

    • N350b •$1.6b • €9.9b

    Contracts awarded to two firms

    • $132m • €9.9m

    CBN transfers to banks without purpose on Dasuki’s instruction

    Those implicated by the investigative panel on arms procurement have been ordered arrested by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Presidency said last night.

    On top of the list – indeed the only one mentioned – is former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki.

    But a source said last night that a former Chief of Army Staff was among the suspects.

    Another said the suspects were not named to prevent their escape from Nigeria.

    The interim report chronicles alleged massive mismanagement, misappropriation and outright theft of public funds in billions of naira and in foreign currencies –dollars, euro and pounds sterling.

    Presidential spokesman Femi Adesina said in a statement that the President issued the executive order for the arrests after receiving the preliminary report of the probe of arms procurement between 2007 and 2015 by the committee raised on August 31 by National Security Adviser (NSA) Gen. Babagana Munguno.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the relevant organisations arrest and bring to book, all individuals who have been found complicit in these illegal and fraudulent acts,” the statement said last night.

    The preliminary report submitted by the Air Vice Marshal (AVM) O.N. Ode (rtd)-led panel listed the many cases established against Col. Dasuki, who is currently in the eye of the storm.

    A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered that he should be allowed to travel abroad, but the Department of State Services (DSS) said he must accept an invitation to defend himself in connection with some deals he was allegedly involved in.

    Col. Dasuki has declined to accept the letter of invitation, preferring to remain within his Abuja residence. But he has not been able to travel. He is on trial for illegal arms possession.

    Other members of the panel are: R/Adm J.A. Aikhomu (rtd.), R/Adm E. Ogbor (rtd.), Brig.- Gen L. Adekagun (rtd.), Brig.-Gen. M. Aminu-Kano (rtd.), Brig.-Gen. N. Rimtip (rtd.), Cdre T.D. Ikoli, Air Cdre U. Mohammed (rtd.), Air Cdre I. Shafi’I, Col A.A. Ariyibi, Gp. Capt. C.A. Oriaku (rtd.), Mr. Ibrahim Magu (EFCC) and Brig.- Gen Y.I. Shalangwa as secretary.

    Part of the mandate of the panel is “in keeping with President Buhari’s determination to stamp out corruption and irregularities in Nigeria’s public service”.

    Yesterday’s statement on the interim report of the panel said: “On the authority of Mr President, a 13-man committee was set up by the Office of  the National Security Adviser to audit the procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces and Defence sector from 2007 to date.

    “While the committee which was inaugurated on 31 August 2015 is yet to complete its work, its interim report has unearthed several illicit and fraudulent financial transactions.

    “As part of the findings, the committee has analysed interventions from some organisations that provided funds to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters, Army Headquarters Naval Headquarters and Nigerian Air Force Headquarters,  both in local and foreign currencies.

    “So far the total extra budgetary interventions articulated by the committee is six hundred and forty three billion, eight hundred and seventeen million, nine hundred and fifty thousand, eight hundred and eighty five hundred naira and eighteen kobo (N643,817,955,885.18).

    “The foreign currency component is to the tune of two billion, one hundred and ninety three million, eight hundred and fifteen thousand us dollars and eighty three cents ($2,193,815,000.83).

    “These amounts exclude grants from the state governments and funds collected by the DSS and Police. It was observed that in spite of this huge financial intervention, very little was expended to support defense procurement.

    “The committee also observed that of 513 contracts awarded at $8,356,525,184.32; N2,189,265,724,404.55 and €54,000.00; fifty three (53) were failed contracts, amounting to $2,378,939,066.27 and N13,729,342,329.87 respectively.

    “Interestingly, it was noted that the amount of foreign currency spent on failed contracts was more than double the $1bn loan that the National Assembly approved for borrowing to fight the insurgency in the North East.

    “The committee also discovered that payments to the tune of three billion, eight hundred and fifty million naira (N3,850,000,000.00) were made to a single company by the former NSA without documented evidence of contractual agreements or fulfilment of tax obligations to the FGN.

    “Further findings revealed that between March 2012 and March 2015, the erstwhile NSA, Lt.-Col MS Dasuki (rtd) awarded fictitious and phantom contracts to the tune of N2,219,188,609.50, $1,671,742,613.58 and €9,905,477.00. The contracts which were said to be for the purchase of 4 Alpha Jets, 12 helicopters, bombs and ammunition were not executed and the equipment were never supplied to the Nigerian Air Force, neither are they in its inventory.

    “Even more disturbing was the discovery that out of these figures, two companies were awarded contracts to the tune of N350,000,000.00, $1,661,670,469.71 and €9,905,477.00 alone. This was without prejudice to the consistent non-performance of the companies in the previous contracts awarded.

    “Additionally, it was discovered that the former NSA directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to transfer the sum of $132,050,486.97 and €9,905,473.55 to the accounts of Societe D’equipmente Internationaux in West Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America for un-ascertained purposes, without any contract documents to explain the transactions.

    “The findings made so far are extremely worrying, considering that the interventions were granted within the same period that our troops fighting the insurgency in the North East were in desperate need of platforms, military equipment and ammunition. Had the funds siphoned to these non performing companies been properly used for the purpose they were meant for, thousands of needless Nigerian deaths would have been avoided.

    “Furthermore, the ridicule Nigeria has faced in the international community would have been avoided. It is worrisome and disappointing that those entrusted with the security of this great nation were busy using proxies to siphon the national treasury while innocent lives were wasted daily.”

     

     

     

     

  • Dasuki: Fed Govt seeks court’s understanding

    Dasuki: Fed Govt seeks court’s understanding

    •AGF, Solicitor General pray for time

    THE Federal Government yesterday sought the understanding of the Federal High Court, Abuja in its handling of the case involving former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Mohammed Dasuki (rtd).

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) and Solicitor General of the Federation Taiwo Abidogun asked the court for more time to familiarise themselves with the case.

    Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja had last Friday invited the AGF to appear before his court yesterday in relation to the controversy surrounding the Dasuki case.

    The judge’s invitation to the AGF was informed by complaint by Dasuki’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), that despite the order made by the court on November 3, allowing Dasuki to travel abroad, he was being prevented from embarking on the trip by security agents, who have allegedly laid siege to his Abuja home.

    Yesterday, Abidogun, who was accompanied to the court by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Muhammad Diri, told the court that he and the AGF were just appointed and were yet to be fully briefed about the activities of the Federal Ministry of Justice, particularly in relation to the Dasuki case.

    Abidogun sought for time to enable him and the AGF study the case and decide on the necessary steps to take.

    “I have sought the understanding of the other party, who has given its consent to my overture. We have tremendous respect for this court and your lordship. We are seeking an adjournment to enable us to be briefed properly,” the solicitor general said.

    He sought an adjournment for Monday next week on the ground that the AGF would formally resume duties in the ministry tomorrow.

    Daudu did not object to Abidogun’s application for adjournment.

    He only reminded the court that it’s November 3 order was yet to be executed owing, purportedly to the activities of operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS).

    Justice Ademola granted Abidogun’s request and adjourned further proceedings in the case to November 23.

    Dasuki is being tried before the court on a five-count charge of money laundering and illegal firearms possession.

    He was arraigned earlier this year on the charge, to which he pleaded not guilty. Before trial could commence, he applied to the court for permission to travel abroad on health ground, an application the court granted on November 3.

    Dasuki, in a fresh motion dated November 9, alleged that the state, acting through the DSS, has prevented him from travelling despite the court’s permission.

    But, in its counter-motion, the Federal Government denied frustrating Dasuki’s travel plans.

    The government explained that Dasuki’s refusal to honour an invitation sent to him on November 4 by the DSS, requesting him to clarify some issues relating to some fresh money laundering cases allegedly involving the ex-NSA, was responsible for why he was still unable to travel abroad.

     

     

  • Dasuki: FG seeks court’s understanding

    Dasuki: FG seeks court’s understanding

    The Federal Government Monday sought the understanding of the Federal High Court, Abuja in its handling of the case involving former National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Dasuki.

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) and Solicitor General of the Federation, Taiwo Abidogun asked the court for more time to familiarise themselves with the case.

    Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja had, last Friday, invited the AGF to appear before his court Monday in relation to the controversy surrounding the Dasuki case.

    The judge’s invitation to the AGF was informed by complaint by Dasuki’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN) that, despite the order made by the court on November 3, allowing Dasuki to travel abroad, he was being prevented from embarking on the trip by security agents, who have allegedly laid siege on his Abuja home.

    Abidogun, who was accompanied to the court by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Muhammad Diri, told the court that he and the AGF were just appointed and were yet to be fully briefed about the activities of the Federal Ministry of Justice, particularly in relation to the Dasuki case.

    Abidogun sought for time to enable him and the AGF study the case and decide on what necessary steps to take.

    “I have sought the understanding of the other party, who have given its consent to my overture. We have tremendous respect for this court and your lordship. We are seeking an adjournment to enable us to be briefed properly,” the Solicitor General said.

    He sought an adjournment for Monday next week on the ground that the AGF will formally resume duties in the ministry on Wednesday.

    Daudu did not object to Abidogun’s application for adjournment.

    He only reminded that court that its November 3 order was yet to be executed owing, purportedly to the activities of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

  • Court adjourns Dasuki’s case to November 23

    Court adjourns Dasuki’s case to November 23

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned the case of retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, till November 23.

    The Judge, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, who adjourned the case following an oral application from the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mr Taiwo Abidogun.

    Ademola held that the adjournment would enable the Attorney General of the Federation appear and explain the siege on Dasuki’s Abuja residence.

    Abidogun, who appeared for the first time on Dasuki’s case, had told the court that the attorney-general and Minister of Justice had just been sworn-in.

    He told the court that he needed time to study the case and to enable him brief the minister on the matter.

    The solicitor-general informed the court that the minister had yet to assume office.

    He said that the minister would assume office on Wednesday, Novemebr 18 and would be briefed about Dasuki’s case.

    He, therefore, urged the court to allow them to appear on Monday.

    Dasuki’s Counsel, Mr. Joseph Daudu SAN, did not oppose the application.

     

     

  • Why Dasuki can’t leave for UK yet, by Fed Govt

    Why Dasuki can’t leave for UK yet, by Fed Govt

    THE Federal Government has explained why former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Mohammed Dasuki (rtd) cannot leave the country despite a court order allowing him to visit the United Kingdom (UK) for three weeks to attend to his health.

    It said Dasuki must honour the invitation of November 4 by the Department of State Services (DSS) to clarify some issues relating to fresh allegations of money laundering against him.

    The government denied Dasuki’s allegation that security agents laid siege to his Abuja home and prevented him from travelling as ordered by the Federal High Court on November 3.

    A counter affidavit filed by the Federal Ministry of Justice to Dasuki’s motion dated November 9, said the DSS was only performing its statutory responsibilities.

    Dasuki, who is on trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja on a five-count charge of money laundering and illegal firearms possession, told the court on November 13 that the DSS prevented him from travelling and laid siege to his Abuja home.

    His lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), said despite the order made by the court on November 3, he was being prevented from travelling by security agents, who have allegedly laid siege to his Abuja home.

    A lawyer from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Labaran Magaji, denied Daudu’s claim, a development that informed the decision by Justice Adeniyi Ademola to invite the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), to brief him today on issues surrounding the case.

    Justice Ademola also fixed today for the hearing of Dasuki’s motion of November 9 and the counter affidavit by the Federal Ministry of Justice on November 11.

    The government stated, in the counter affidavit, “that the complainant has not in any way violated the order of this court granted on September 1 and November 3”.

    It added: “The defendant is undergoing an investigation for other laundering offences other than the ones already before the court in charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/319/2015; the fact that the defendant is standing trial for one offence does not exculpate him from being investigated for other fresh money laundering offences.

    “The Department of State Services (DSS) has not and never obstructed or interferes with the liberty of the defendant, his visitors or any member of his family or access to his residence located at No 13 John Kadiya Street, Asokoro District, Abuja contrary to what was contained in exhibit C1 and C2.

    “The DSS detailed a senior officer to invite the defendant/applicant for an audience with the DSS, which he declined. The DSS wrote a formal letter of invitation requesting the defendant/applicant for a meeting with the DSS to make some clarifications on matters under investigation by the service and the defendant/applicant did not only evade the service of the letter, but declined to honour the invitation.

    “Concerned by the response of the defendant/applicant, the service (DSS) communicated same to his counsel, J. B. Daudu (SAN), wherein he requested that the said letter be forwarded to him, which the service graciously did.

    “Instead of honouring the invitation, the counsel to the defendant/applicant, J. B. Daudu (SAN) forwarded a four-page letter to the service. Contrary to the speculations in exhibits C1 and C2 of affidavit in support of the application of the defendant/applicant, the DSS is merely performing its statutory functions.”

    It urged the court not to grant Dasuki’s motion because it was against the interest of justice to grant such motion.

    But in his motion, Dasuki claimed that a men of the DSS constituted threat to his life and prevented him from travelling abroad to attend to his ailing health pursuant to an earlier order by Justice Ademola.

    He stated that the judge had, by his order made on November 3, ordered the release of his travel documents.

    Dasuki sought, among others, an order compelling the government and its agents, especially operatives of the DSS to vacate his premises on 13, John Kadija Street, Asokoro, Abuja.

    He equally asked the court to order the removal of “all human and non-human barricades, bulwarks and or siege laid around, about and across” his residence at No. 13 John Kadiya Street, Asokoro District, Abuja.

    Both motions are scheduled for hearing today.