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Tag: Sambo Dasuki

  • Arms scam: Jonathan’s cousin has case to answer – Court

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered former President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, Robert Azibaola to defend himself in a fraud allegation of 40 million dollars leveled against him and his company, One Plus Holding Ltd by the Federal Government.

    The court on Thursday ordered Azibaola to defend himself on two out of the nine-count charge preferred against him by the government.

    He was to defend himself on the two counts bordering on being in possession of and converting the sum of 40 million dollars received from the office of the former National Security Adviser, (NSA), and Retired Col.Sambo Dasuki to personal use.

    Justice Nnamdi Dimgba made the order while ruling on the no-case-submission filed by Azibaola and his wife, Stella.

    The court, however, discharged and acquitted Stella of all the nine-count charge leveled against her.

    Dimgba in discharging Stella held that being wife to Azibaola was not enough to charge her with the offence since criminal liability was personal and not vicarious.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), the prosecuting agency in the matter had in 2016, preferred a 7-count charge against Azibaola, his wife, Stella and their company, that they received 40 million dollars’ worth of contract from Dasuki.

    They were subsequently arraigned on June 7, 2016 and were admitted to bail in the sum of N500 million each.

    They were, re-arraigned on April 27, 2017 this time on a 9-count amended charge.

    In the cause of the trial, the prosecution called 10 witnesses and tendered 27 documented evidences against the three parties and closed its case,

    Read Also: Alleged fraud: Court asks Jonathan’s cousin to enter defence

    Mr Chris Uche, (SAN) counsel to Azibaola and his wife however filed a no-case-submission.

    Uche insisted that the government had failed to establish a prima-facie case that would warrant his clients to enter a defence and prayed the court to discharge and acquit his clients.

    Delivering the court’s ruling on the no-case-submission, the judge held that two of the defendants had some explanations to do with regards to counts two and three.

    “It was claimed that the 40 million dollars released from the office of the former NSA to Azibaola and One Plus Holding Ltd was meant for the procurement of tactical communication kits.

    “Counts two and three are basically the same, the difference is that count two borders on possession of the sum of 40 million dollars while count three was hinged on conversion of the said amount.

    “Having reviewed the oral and documentary evidence tendered by the prosecution through its witnesses, this court holds the view that there is good reason for Azibaola and the company to proceed with their defence,” the court ruled

    The court noted that there was no evidence to show that the said tactical communication kits were supplied.

    “In the absence of any evidence to show supply of the tactical communication kits, the 1st (Azibaola) and 3rd (One Plus Holding) defendants are in a position to explain what the fund was used for.

    “On the whole, there is sufficient prima-facie case made out by the prosecution against the 1st and 3rd defendants.

    “The no-case-submission in respect of these two counts is refused,” the court held.

    The court absolved Azibaola and his company of any wrongdoing in counts one, four, five, six, seven, eight and nine.

    The judge adjourned the matter until June 4 for Azibaola to open his defence.

    NAN

  • I have never looted the treasury – Aliyu

    Threatens court action

    Former Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu has said that he did not loot the state treasury during his eight year tenure in the state and threatened to challenge the allegation in court.

    Aliyu made the denial in a statement he signed in Minna on Monday while reacting to the recent release of list of treasury looters in the country by the Federal Government.

    “ I wonder why the federal government should include my name in the 24 treasury looters list released again by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed,’’ he said.

    He threatened to challenge his inclusion on the list to a logical conclusion after consultations with his lawyers.

    The former governor explained that nobody had confronted him with any document that he received N1.6 billion from the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and urged the government to prove it.

    He alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was doing everything possible to blackmail him because he refused to join the party.

    “The APC government has embarked on calculated blackmail against my person because I refused to join the party.

    “We all have our minds and what we believe in politics is a thing of the mind.

    “In the orchestrated plot to tarnish my image, I am presently before the Federal High Court and a Niger High Court for the same alleged offence.

    “This is to show that the government is hell bent on bringing me down but they will not succeed,’’ he said.

    Aliyu said that as a governor he served the people of Niger to the best of his ability.

    “As a Governor, I left a landmark for posterity, no amount of blackmail or character assassination can wipe me out from the minds of the people,’’ he said.

    NAN

     

  • Medication preventing me from following proceedings, Metuh tells court

    A former National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Olisa Metuh, on Friday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that a medication he was taking was preventing him from following court proceedings.

    Metuh is standing trial for allegedly receiving N400 million from the office of the former National Security Adviser, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki.

    Metuh had on March 14, for the third time, asked the court to order the release of his international passport to enable him travel for medical treatment.

    At the resumed trial on Friday, Mr Emeka Etiaba ( SAN ), Counsel to Metuh, told court that due to the sedative influence of the medication Metuh was receiving, he was unable to follow proceedings in court.

    “Yesterday, after the court session, I had a discussion with my client and I realised that even though he was physically present in court, he did not have the presence of mind to appreciate what went on in court.

    “This is because he is on pain killers which cause him to be sleepy or sleep in court otherwise he is under severe pain.

    “Section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act ( ACJA ) provides that a defendant has to be present in court all though his trial, not only physically but must also be able to follow through the proceedings in court.”

    Etiaba claimed that Metuh was unable to follow proceedings in court on account of the drugs he was taking without which he would be in pain.

    He prayed the court for an adjournment to enable Metuh to get palliative medication.

    “We ask for a short adjournment to enable him access some palliative medical procedure, pending when the court will rule on his application to travel for medical treatment abroad.

    Etiaba argued that Section 278 had nothing to do with Metuh’s application as Metuh was not of unsound mind or lacked mental capacity.

    According to him, Metuh is in excruciating pain and the medication he is on to relieve the pain makes him sleep in court and unable to follow his trial.

    However, the Prosecuting Counsel, Mr Sylvanus Tahir, objected to the application for an adjournment to enable Metuh to receive palliative medical treatment.

    Referring the court to Section 278 of ACJA, Tahir said that what the law provided in such circumstances was for the court to order a medical investigation to ascertain the mental capacity or soundness of mind of the defendant.

    According to him, where the court is satisfied that the defendant standing trial lacks the mental capacity to do so, the court will order that he be remanded in an asylum and treated while there.

    The Judge, Justice Okon Abang, in his ruling noted that it was at the discretion of the court to grant an adjournment.

    He, however, stated that noting had been placed before the court to enable it exercise its discretion in favour of Metuh.

    “It is my view that there is no material placed by the defendant before the court to enable the court exercise its discretion in his favour and grant the application.

    “There is nothing placed before the court to show that the defendant is in excruciating pain. The defendant is in court and the application for adjournment lacks merit and is refused.

    Abang said that he might deliver ruling on Metuh’s application seeking the release of his international passport to enable him travel abroad for medical treatment on April 20.

    He adjourned the matter until April 19 and April 20.

    NAN

  • Dasukigate: ‘Dokpesi received N2.1 bn for doing nothing’

    Dasukigate: ‘Dokpesi received N2.1 bn for doing nothing’

    Mr. Abubakar Madaki, a prosecution witness in the on-going trial of former Chairman, DAAR Communications Plc, Mr Raymond Dokpesi, told the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, that Dokpesi received money for rendering no services.

    Madaki, under cross examination by Dokpesi’s counsel, Mr Kanu Agabi (SAN), said that:”Dokpesi was paid for doing nothing, for rendering no service”.

    The witness said that the N2.1 billion, under investigation, was funds from the office of the National Security Adviser.

    According to him, all the funds in the account of the National Security Adviser are for national security.

    The witness, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) said that he was part of the team that was appointed by the commission to investigate funds meant for national security that were allegedly diverted.

    He told the court that the funds were allegedly diverted even by those who they were not entrusted to.

    When Agabi sought to know what evidence he had of the diversion, the witness said: “the funds were found in their accounts when they had no reason to take it.

    “This is because they could not account for any contract they executed for such payments.”

    Justice John Tsoho adjourned the matter until April 13 for continuation of cross examination of the witness.

    Dokpesi and his company, DAAR Investment are standing trial over the N2.1 billion received from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

    Read Also: Alleged N2.1b fraud: Dokpesi’s wife got over N100m, says witness

  • Dasuki loses bid for freedom

    Dasuki loses bid for freedom

    Detained former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki Friday lost his bid for freedom as the Supreme Court rejected his request to that effect.

    Dasuki had filed two appeals at the apex court, challenging his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) and prayed for the suspension of his trial pending his release by the government,

    In it unanimous judgments Friday, a five-man panel of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Dattijo Muhammad,  dismissed Dasuki’s appeals for lacking in merit.

    The court described the appeals as an abuse of court process and a ploy by the appellant to delay his trial.

    It noted that the trial initiated in 2015, has been frustrated by various interlocutory applications and appeals.

    Justice Ejembi Eko, who read the lead judgment, said Dasuki’s continued detention was not a violation of any order for bail granted the ex-NSA by both the Federal High Court and High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) before which he is standing trial for separate criminal charges.

    The court said Dasuki’s detention was not at the instance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that put him on trial.

    It further said the bails granted Dasuki in respect of criminal charges brought against him by EFCC have been obeyed having been implemented by the Controller of Prison Kuje on December 29, 2015.

    The court affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which earlier upheld the FCT High Court, where it said the EFCC was not liable for the detention of Dasuki by DSS.

    Justice Eko, who upheld the argument by respondent’s lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), noted that Dasuki merely used fair hearing as his “weeping principle to filibuster all the way to this court”.

    The judge said: “I have considered all the issues in the appeal. It is my view that the central issue, both at the trial court and the Court of Appeal, is whether the first respondent (the prosecution) did in fact, disobey, the order made on December 18, 2015, admitting the appellant (Dasuki) to bail pending his trial.

    “That central issue was the substance of the three issues formulated by the appellant and the sole issue formulated by the first respondent at the Court of Appeal.

    “The central or the core issue was not missed by the Court of Appeal. It was, in fact, firmly considered that the appellant in this interlocutory appeal has merely made fair hearing a weeping principle to filibuster all the way to this court.

    “The appellant’s diatribe on the Court of Appeal for expeditious determination of his own appeal is clearly symptomatic of malafide or the type ulterior purpose of this appeal.

    “An appeal brought not bona fide but merely to delay a pending action or to gag other prospective actions is clearly an abuse process. Regarding so, it is clearly an abuse of court process.

    “The appeal lacking in merit, being clearly an abuse of court process is hereby dismissed in its entirety.

    “The case is remitted to the learned trial judge, Honourable Justice H.B Yusuf of the FCT High Court for hearing with further directive that it shall be given accelerated hearing.”

    Justices Dattijo Muhammad (presiding), John Okoro; Centus Nweze and Amina Augie, who were also on the panel, agreed with the lead judgment.

    In one of the charges against Dasuki at the High Court of the FCT, he is being tried with former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, his son, Sagir Bafarawa, a former Director of Finance and Administration in the office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu, a former Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda an Sagir’s firm – Dalhatu Investment.

    They are accused, in the 22-count charge of, among others, diverting about N13bn allegedly meant for the purchase of arms.

    In the second charge of 19 counts, Dasuki, Salisu, Aminu Baba-Kusa and his (Baba-Kusa’s) firms – Acacia Holdings Ltd and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited – are accused of diverting N32bn meant for purchase of arms.

    Dasuki is being tried alone before the Federal High Court, Abuja on charges of money laundering and illegal possession of firearms.

    Read Also: Dasuki’s aide under probe over diversion of N36.4b

  • Dasuki loses bid for freedom

    Dasuki loses bid for freedom

    Supreme Court rejects his appeal

    Detained former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki has lost his bid for freedom as the Supreme Court rejected his request to that effect.

    Dasuki has appealed to the apex court, challenging his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) and prayed for the suspension of his trial pending his release by the government.

    The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment of a five-man panel today, dismissed Dasuki’s appeal for lacking in merit.

    Justice Ejembi Eko, who read the lead judgment, said Dasuki’s continued detention was not a violation of any order for bail earlier granted the ex-NSA by both the Federal High Court and High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) before which he is standing trial for separated criminal charges.

    The court said Dasuki’s detention was not at the instance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that put him on trial.

    It further said the bails granted Dasuki in respect of criminal charges brought against him by EFCC have been obeyed having been implemented by the Controller of Prison Kuje on December 29, 2015.

    The court affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which earlier upheld the FCT High Court, where it said the EFCC was not liable for the detention of Dasuki by DSS.

     

    Details later

  • Court adjourns Dasuki ‘s case till March 22

    Court adjourns Dasuki ‘s case till March 22

    An FCT High Court, on Wednesday adjourned until March 22, continuation of hearing in the case involving former National Security Adviser, retired Col Sambo Dasuki, pending outcome of judgment of the Supreme Court on his appeal.

    The judge, Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, adjourned the case after Dasuki’s counsel Mr Adeola Adedipe, holding the brief of Mr Joesph Daudu (SAN) applied for adjournment.

    Adedipe informed the court that Dasuki’s  matter is pending at the apex court and the outcome of the judgment on March 2, may affect the case pending in the trial court.

    He also expressed surprise that Dasuki was not in court.

    Responding, Mr Henry Ajiga, holding the brief of Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), who did not oppose the application, prayed the court to adjourn it to the same day with a sister case.

    He also expressed surprise on Dasuki ‘s absence, adding that the date for hearing was transmitted to the agency holding him.

    Dasuki is standing trial on a 19-count charge bordering on alleged diversion of N13.6 billion.

    On trial along with Dasuki were Shuaibu Salisu, a former Director of Finance, Office of the National Security Adviser, and Aminu Baba-Kusa, a former NNPC Executive Director, and two others.

    NAN

  • N400m fraud: Court orders Metuh to appear in court Feb. 5 or risk jail

    N400m fraud: Court orders Metuh to appear in court Feb. 5 or risk jail

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, has asked former Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) spokesman, Mr Olisah Metuh, to be present at his trial on Feb. 5 or face jail.

    Justice Okon Abang gave the order on Thursday, when he delivered ruling in an application filed by Metuh, seeking an adjournment to his trial on health grounds.

    The judge said that the letter which Metuh wanted the court to rely on to grant the adjournment was not a proper document before the court.

    “I agree with the prosecution that the purported letter written by Dr O.C. Ekweogwu, who is unknown to the court, is trash and a useless paper meant for the dustbin, which was dumped on the court by the defence.

    “The said letter was fraudulently smuggled into the records of the court by a person unknown to the court with the intent to stall proceedings.”

    The judge said that there was a laid down procedure for filing a medical report in court.

    He said it was not the place of a medical practitioner to write a lengthy letter with several medical terms that were meaningless to the court.

    “The medical practitioner is to state the name of the illness and the period that the person will be incapacitated.”

    The judge further said that although the application by the prosecution to revoke Metuh’s bail and commit him to prison deserved to succeed, he would not grant it based on compassionate grounds.

    “It is my humble view that the application of the prosecution to revoke the defendant’s bail deserves to succeed, but I have given due consideration to the arguments of counsel to the defendant.

    “In view of the passionate plea of the defendant’s counsel who I have respect for, I hereby suspend my decision to revoke bail, but I ask that the defendant turns a new leaf.”

    The judge, however, said that if Metuh failed to appear in court on the next adjourned date, he would revoke the bail.

    “Arrest is a consequential order if bail is revoked, and so if the defendant’s bail is revoked, he will be arrested.

    “The outcome of his response when he appears in court will determine whether or not to put him in prison.”

    The court said that it was not inclined to try Metuh in absentia, as it was contrary to Section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

    The judge also said that he would no longer accept any medical report with respect to Metuh,  issued by a doctor in Nigeria.

    He further granted the application by the defendant’s counsel to bring seven additional witnesses, saying he will not accept any application for more witnesses.

    He adjourned the matter until Feb. 5 and 6 for continuation of trial.

    Metuh’s trial was to resume on Monday but he was absent in court.

    When the matter was called, Mr Onyeachi Ikpeazu (SAN), counsel to Metuh informed the court that his client was admitted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, and  was unable to attend court.

    Ikpeazu presented a letter written by a doctor in the hospital to the court, but both the judge and the prosecutor questioned the authenticity of the letter.

    The prosecutor went further to ask the court to revoke Metuh’s bail for breaching his bail conditions and commit him to prison.

    Metuh is standing trial over allegations of receiving N400 million from the former National Security Adviser, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki and also money laundering charges involving $2bn.

  • Ex-president Jonathan directed how NIMASA funds were spent – Akpobolokemi

    Ex-president Jonathan directed how NIMASA funds were spent – Akpobolokemi

    A former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA ) Director-General Dr Patrick Akpobolokemi yesterday denied looting the agency’s funds.

    Testifying before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos after opening his defence, Akpobolokemi said all the actions he took in office had the approval of former President Goodluck Jonathan. 

    He denied looting N2.3billion from the agency, which was approved for a project by the former President.

    According to him, Dr Jonathan approved the release of N2.3billion for NIMASA in three tranches between 2013 and 2015.

    He said it was for the implementation of a maritime security project, International Shipping and Ports Security (ISPS) code.

    He said the funds were released after he wrote three times to the Federal Government through the Office of the National Security Adviser headed by Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.).

    Led in evidence by his lawyer, Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN), Akpobolokemi said the ISPS code implementation followed the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack in the United States of America.

    He said the security code was adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), which requested member states to implement it to forestall similar terrorist attacks.

    He said the funds were approved by the President and released to NIMASA through ONSA, following which he constituted the ISPS Code Implementation Committee.

    He said the committee opened an account, into which funds for the project were released, adding that he was neither a member nor a signatory to the account.

    Akpobolokemi said the committee was headed by former NIMASA Executive Director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Department, Capt. Ezekiel Agaba.

    He said as soon as the funds were disbursed to NIMASA, he minuted letters to Agaba to carry the Presidency’s directives.

    “The directive was from the Presidency and I would have been appropriately sanctioned if I ignored the directive,” he said.

    He denied the allegation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ) that the funds were diverted, adding that the project was implemented with the funds, with foreigners commending NIMASA.

    “I was satisfied that the ISPS Code project was well performed at least up till the time I left the agency,” Akpobolokemi said.

    Akpobolokemi was charged along with Ababa, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Blockz and Stonz Limited and Al-Kenzo Logistics Limited.

    They all pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned.

    Justice Buba adjourned till February 13.

  • N400m fraud: Court orders Metuh to appear in court Feb. 5 or risk jail

    N400m fraud: Court orders Metuh to appear in court Feb. 5 or risk jail

    The Federal High Court, Abuja, has asked former Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) spokesman, Mr Olisah Metuh, to be present at his trial on Feb. 5 or face jail.

    Justice Okon Abang gave the order on Thursday, when he delivered ruling in an application filed by Metuh, seeking an adjournment to his trial on health grounds.

    The judge said that the letter which Metuh wanted the court to rely on to grant the adjournment was not a proper document before the court.

    “I  agree with the prosecution that the purported letter written by Dr O.C. Ekweogwu, who is unknown to the court, is trash and a useless paper meant for the dustbin, which was dumped on the court by the defence.

    ” The said letter was fraudulently smuggled into the records of the court by a person unknown to the court with the intent to stall proceedings. ”

    The judge said that there was a laid down procedure for filing a medical report in court.

    He said it was not the place of a medical practitioner to write a lengthy letter with several medical terms that were meaningless to the court.

    Read Also: EFCC urges court to revoke Metuh’s bail

    “The medical practitioner is to state the name of the illness and the period that the person will be incapacitated.”

    The judge further said that although the application by the prosecution to revoke Metuh’s bail and commit him to prison deserved to succeed, he would not grant it based on compassionate grounds.

    ” It is my humble view that the application of the prosecution to revoke the defendant’s bail deserves to succeed, but I have given due consideration to the arguments of counsel to the defendant.

    “In view of the passionate plea of the defendant’s counsel who I have respect for, I hereby suspend my decision to revoke bail, but I ask that the defendant turns a new leaf.”

    The judge, however, said that if Metuh failed to appear in court on the next adjourned date, he would revoke the bail.

    “Arrest is a consequential order if bail is revoked, and so if the defendant’s bail is revoked, he will be arrested.

    “The outcome of his response when he appears in court will determine whether or not to put him in prison.”

    The court said that it was not inclined to try Metuh in absentia, as it was contrary to Section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

    The judge also said that he would no longer accept any medical report with respect to Metuh,  issued by a doctor in Nigeria.

    He further granted the application by the defendant’s counsel to bring seven additional witnesses, saying he will not accept any application for more witnesses.

    He adjourned the matter until Feb. 5 and 6 for continuation of trial.

    The Repoter reports that Metuh’s trial was to resume on Monday but he was absent in court.

    When the matter was called, Mr Onyeachi Ikpeazu (SAN), counsel to Metuh informed the court that his client was admitted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, and  was unable to attend court.

    Ikpeazu presented a letter written by a doctor in the hospital to the court, but both the judge and the prosecutor questioned the authenticity of the letter.

    The prosecutor went further to ask the court to revoke Metuh’s bail for breaching his bail conditions and commit him to prison.

    Metuh is standing trial over allegations of receiving N400 million from the former National Security Adviser, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki and also money laundering charges involving $2  billion.

    NAN