The trial of Nigeria’s former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, took a dramatic turn today as the trial Judge announced his withdrawal in protest against the Federal Government.
Justice Adeniyi Ademola cited allegations of corruption by the Department of State Services (DSS) against him as the reason for his action.
Ademola, one of the seven Federal High Court judges recently arrested by the DSS on allegations of corruption, claimed that he was being harassed and intimidated for granting bail to Dasuki and Nnamdi Kanu, the Director of Radio Biafra.
Ademola spoke with the prosecuting counsel, Dapo Okpeseyi and Dasuki’s Counsel, Adedayo Adedeji, before announcing his decision to withdraw from the case in the open court.
“I’m sure you are conversant with what is going on, as one of the allegations being made against me is that I received some money from Sambo Dasuki.
“This is the allegation of the DSS and I thought I should tell the counsel what is being said, but before I announce my decision, let me ask the defendant (Dasuki) some questions:-
Ademola: Do you know me at all?
Dasuki: Before I came to this court, not at all.
Ademola: Did you at any time give me money?
Dasuki: None that I am aware of.
Ademola: Did you send your lawyers to give me money?
Dasuki: Not at all.
Ademola: Did you give money to any of my relatives?
Dasuki: Not at all, maybe the DSS is alleging that I did.”
The DSS had on October 7 raided Ademola’s residence in Abuja and other judges’ homes for alleged corruption. It claimed thereafter that it found money in local and foreign currencies in the sting operation.
Dasuki, who is facing a five-count charge of terrorism, illegal possession of firearms and money laundering, is also challenging a Federal Government’s application to try him secretly.
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