Embattled former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki today appeared at the Federal High Court in Abuja for a one-count charge of being in possession of firearms without a license.
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Embattled former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki today appeared at the Federal High Court in Abuja for a one-count charge of being in possession of firearms without a license.
Mr. Dasuki, who arrived in court at about 8:25 AM dressed in a light blue caftan, appeared before Justice Adeniyi Ademola, the court’s vacation judge. The prosecution counsel, Mohammed Diri, told the court that the accused was charged with the unlawful possession of firearms without a licence, which violates section 27(I)(a)(I) of the Firearms Act Cap F28 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Mr. Dasuki pleaded not guilty to the charge.
In his response, defense counsel Joseph Dawodu (SAN) and Ahmed Raji said that they have no objection to the reading of the charges to the accused. He asked the court to grant the accused person bail on self-recognition, just as he assured that Mr. Dasuki would not interfere with the investigations while on bail, citing that he is a responsible Nigerian and has served the country in different capacities. Additionally, his passport is in the custody of the State Security Service.
The prosecution counsel submitted that he would leave the application bail sought by the defense counsel to the discretion of the court.
In his ruling on the bail application Justice Adeniyi granted Mr. Dasuki bail pending the submission of his passport and other travel documents to the deputy court registrar. The case was adjourned to September 26th and 27th for the hearing.