God will judge those punishing me for old grievances - Sambo Dasuki

Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser (NSA), on Thursday, told a federal high court in Abuja that he was being punished by some persons in power for perceived grievances they have against him.

Dasuki, who did not name any particular person, said that his prosecution was the fallout of a vendetta.

Reacting to the government’s request for a secret trial, Dasuki who spoke through his counsel, Joseph Daodu (SAN), told the court that he had handed his case to God for the ultimate judgment.

“It is crystal clear that the defendant (Dasuki) is being punished by the powers that be for the perceived offences committed long before… we leave them to the Almighty God for his ultimate judgment,” he said.

The federal government had approached the court, seeking a secret trial for the former NSA, who is facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms, money laundering and criminal breach of trust.

In the fresh motion argued by the prosecuting counsel, Dipo Okpeseyi (SAN), government prayed the court to allow witnesses give evidence behind a screen.

He argued that the request was because Dasuki was a former top security chief, who has large loyalists across the country who may jeopardise the trial if it was done in the open.

Okpeseyi cited the case of a government witness who was involved in an accident, resulting in multiple fractures and injuries. Although, he did not say Dasuki was responsible for it, he said the incident heightened the need to protect the witnesses.

He urged Adeniyi Ademola, the judge, to “screen”  the witnesses from the public in the interest of justice, and to protect them, their families and career.

But Daodu opposed the request.

His argument was that it would breach the principle of fair trial.

After listening to the arguments, Ademola adjourned to September 13.