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Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / Justice Ademola Withdraws From Dasuki's Case (344 Views)
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Justice Ademola Withdraws From Dasuki's Case by Ugik(m): 7:06pm On Oct 18, 2016 |
he judge who was in charge of the trial of the
erstwhile NS since the day he was docked before the
Federal High Court in Abuja, announced his withdrawal at
the resumed sitting on the matter on Tuesday.
Addressing the open court, Justice Ademola anchored his
decision to hands-off the case on the recent clampdown of
some judges by the DSS.
He said the DSS, whose investigation culminated into the
criminal charge before him, specifically accused him while
in custody that he collected “huge sums of money” from
Dasuki.
However, before he disqualified himself from the trial,
Justice Ademola engaged Dasuki who listened attentively
from the dock, in a question and answer session.
The Judge began: “I am sure the prosecution and defence
counsel in this matter are conversant with what has been
going on in the last seven days, in this country.
“One of the allegations being made against me by the
Department of State Security is that I received certain
sums of unspecified money from the defendant.
“Of course, I have responded to that allegation of receiving
an unspecified sums of money from the defendant but it
will be wise for him to answer some questions.”
He then looked at Dasuki and asked: “Do you know me at
all or have come in contact with me?
“No I don’t know you my Lord” Dasuki responded.
“Did you at any time give me money in respect of the on
going trial?
“No, my Lord, I didn’t give you any money”, Dasuki replied
“Did you send any money to me; to any member of my
family; or through any counsel?”, the Judge further queried.
“No, my Lord, except maybe the DSS agents who are
reporting the allegation did”, Dasuki who was visible
displeased answered.
Directing his gaze at the prosecution counsel, Justice
Ademola said: “I am happy that the defendant has
answered these questions. In the interest of fair hearing, I
am minded to return the case file to the Chief Judge of the
Federal High Court for further action”.
Neither the prosecuting counsel, Mr Dipo Okpeseyi, SAN,
nor the defence lawyer, Mr. Adedayo Adedeji raised issue
against the decision of the judge.
The prosecution counsel Okpeseyi SAN, said: “We are
guided by your Lordship’s decision, even though we had
come here today for a ruling and continuation of trial”.
The defence lawyer said the judge took the right step in
view of recent happenings.
While refusing Okpeseyi’s request for an adjournment to
enable the parties to meet with the CJ on the way forward,
Justice Ademola ruled:
“This court is minded to transfer this case to the Chief
Judge. The defendant has vehemently denied in open court
today, the allegation made by the DSS.
“Therefore, this case file has been returned to the CJ in line
with principle of fair hearing.
“This criminal matter has been adjourned to another date
as may be fixed by the new judge”.
The charge pending against Dasuki before the court
borders on money laundering and his alleged illegal
possession of firearms.
FG had in the charge before the court, alleged that Dasuki
was on July 17, 2015, at his house situated at No. 13,
John Khadiya Street, Asokoro, Abuja, found to be in
possession of various range of firearms without requisite
license, an offence punishable under section 27 (1)(a) of
the Firearms Act Cap F28 LFN 2004.
He was accused of retaining the sums of $40,000,
N5millon and another $20,000 in the same house and
same date, contrary to section 15 (2)(d) of Money
Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.
FG further alleged that the ex-NSA had on July 16, 2015, at
his residence at Sultan Abubakar Road and Sabon Birni
Road, Sokoto State, retained another $150,000 and
N37.6m being part of proceedings of unlawful act,
contrary to Section 15 (3) of the Money Laundering Act
2011.
It listed the alleged illegal arms it found at Dasuki’s
residence in Abuja as five Tavor Assault Rifles, 1 Macro
Uzi with serial No 60244(Rifle), 20 magazines
(Ammunition), 1 packet of MOD (Ministry of Defence) APG
calibre gun, Luger No 033375 ( gun), small magazine
containing 16 rounds of ammunition, and bigger magazine
containing live rounds of ammunition.
Justice Ademola had in a ruling he delivered on April 19,
rejected FG’s request to try Dasuki secretly.
The judge said he would not bar lawyers and accredited
Journalists from observing the proceeding in order the
shield identities of 11 witnesses, mostly DSS operatives,
billed to testify against Dasuki.
He noted that FG earlier supplied names and addresses of
the witnesses in processes before the court, a document
he said was already in the public domain.
The Judge said there was no evidence indicating that the
life of any of the witnesses was being threatened in any
way, stressing that the defendant was not charged for acts
of terrorism.
Dasuki who was NSA to former President Goodluck
Jonathan has been in detention since November 3, 2015.
Though Justice Ademola gave him bail on self recognition,
operatives of the DSS rearrested the ex-NSA at the
entrance to Kuje Prison in Abuja, on December 29, 2015,
immediately he perfected bail conditions handed to him by
two different court |
Re: Justice Ademola Withdraws From Dasuki's Case by ThumbzTNA(m): 7:09pm On Oct 18, 2016 |
OK |
Re: Justice Ademola Withdraws From Dasuki's Case by Mynd44: 7:31pm On Oct 18, 2016 |
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