Monday, August 10, 2026

Dasuki trial stalled due to witness’ absence

The prosecuting counsel told the court that the witness could not make it to court because the vehicle with which he was traveling down to Abuja from the east broke down.

• February 16, 2021
Sambo Dasuki
Former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki [Photo credit: BBC]

The absence of the first prosecution witness (PW1), Williams Obiora, on Tuesday, hindered the continuation of trial of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki.

Counsel to the federal government, Ladipo Okpeseyi, SAN, told Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja, that Mr. Obiora could not make it to court because the vehicle with which he was traveling down to Abuja from the east broke down.

Mr. Okpeseyi said following the development, the witness decided to return home.

The lawyer, who apologised to the court, said he had discussed the unfortunate incident with Mr. Dasuki’s counsel, Ahmed Raji, SAN.

“The matter today is for continuation of trial; for the defence to cross examine the PW1 or conclude the cross examination.

“We have just been informed in court now that the vehicle conveying the witness to Abuja is broken down on the way from the eastern part of the country.

“I learned he had retired and gone back home. I have explained to my learned counsel our challenge and we agreed for an adjournment to conclude the cross examination of PW1 before anyone else.

“We apologise for this. This is totally beyond our control,” he said.

Mr. Raji, who confirmed the submission, did not oppose the application.

Justice Mohammed adjourned the matter until March 30 and March 31 for trial continuation.

On March 11, 2020, Mr. Obiora, who retired in 2018 as a State Security Service (SSS) officer, had told the court that he was part of the team that carried out a search at the ex-NSA’s residence in Asokoro where firearms were discovered.

Mr. Dasuki, who was the NSA in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, is facing a seven-count charge bordering on illegal possession of firearms and money laundering.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Osun State.

States

Traditional rulers sue for peace ahead of Osun governorship poll

The Obalufe warned that anyone found engaging in violence would be punished.

President Bola Tinubu

NationWide

Tinubu to declare world Muslim conference on security open Tuesday 

Mr Mohammad said that the conference would examine global security within the context of Nigeria’s national security challenges.

Rifles seized at Tin Can Island Port Command

Lagos

Customs uncover 399 rifles hidden in container at Tin Can port

The CG said that criminal networks could exploit Nigeria’s borders, ports and airports to move prohibited items into the country ahead of the next general elections.

Oyo APC governorship aspirants

States

2027: Aggrieved Oyo APC governorship aspirants reconcile, pledge support for party’s candidate Sharafadeen Alli 

Mr Lanlehin stated, “No candidate can win a general election by relying only on those who supported him in the primary.”