Again, Ten-Year Trial of Former NSA Dasuki Adjourned Due to Absence of FG’s Witness
The decade-long trial of former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki over allegations of unlawful firearms possession faced yet another adjournment on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The delay occurred due to the absence of a key prosecution witness. This development comes despite an existing order from Justice Peter Lifu directing that the trial be concluded by the end of September.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, the first prosecuting witness, Monsur Mohammed, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, was briefly cross-examined by Dasuki’s lawyer, A. A. Usman. Following the cross-examination, Justice Lifu instructed the federal government’s legal team, led by Chief Oladipupo Okpeseyi, SAN, to call the next witness.
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However, Chief Okpeseyi informed the court that the witness was not yet present and requested a stand-down to contact him. The court initially granted the request, but later, the prosecution applied for an adjournment after learning that the witness would not be able to attend due to his mother undergoing surgery in Abuja.
Justice Lifu reminded the prosecution of his earlier directive to conclude the trial this month. He subsequently adjourned the case to September 25, instructing the government to ensure all witnesses are assembled and present in court.
Under cross-examination, Monsur Mohammed, who claimed to be a DSS Store Keeper, stated he had 18 years of experience handling arms and ammunition but admitted he did not hold a special DSS license for firearms handling.
The trial, initiated by the former Muhammadu Buhari administration in 2015, involves an amended seven-count charge of unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering. Dasuki is expected to open his defense following the conclusion of the prosecution’s case.
By PRNigeria
