Dasuki appears in court first time after release

Sambo Dasuki

A former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, on Thursday made his first court appearance after his release from detention.

Dasuki was detained for over four years despite court orders granting his release on bail.

The Federal Government finally obeyed court orders to free him on December 24, 2019.

Dasuki appeared before Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday for his trial on charges of money laundering and illegal possession of firearms.

He is being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The former NSA opted to remain standing in the dock even when the judge him a seat.

Dasuki faces two separate charges of alleged diversion of funds earmarked for the procurement of arms meant for fighting Boko Haram in the North East pending against him at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.

At Thursday’s proceedings, Dasuki, through his lawyer, Olukayode Ariwoola, withdrew two separate applications which he filed in protest against his continuation of trial without being released from illegal custody.

The prosecutor, Dipo Okpeseyi, did not object.

Justice Mohammed struck out the applications and adjourned trial till March 11 and 12.