Federal Government reveals why Sambo Dasuki must undergo secret trial

The federal government has insisted that all witnesses that would testify against the former national security adviser, Sambo Dasuki must be protected. 

At a hearing in court today, June 23, the prosecuting counsel, Dipo Okpesyi said if not protected, the witnesses in that would testify during the trial stand a risk of being harmed by loyalists to the former national security adviser. 

Okpesyi in his argument said that Dasuki still has strong ties and many loyalists serving in the military. He said these loyalists might go after the witnesses followings the outcome of their testimonies during his trial. 

He also told the court that during the investigation of the matter, many sophisticated weapons were discovered from Dasuki. Okpeseyi said that the weapons discovered indicate that the defendant poses as a threat to national security. 

He further prayed the court to oblige FG’s application and grant the prosecution permission to conduct a secret trial for the defendant. 

But in his objection, counsel to Dasuki, Joseph Daudu asked the court not to rule in favour of FG’s application. Daudu said they were no base for the argument made by the federal government against the former national security adviser. 

He also prayed the court to dismiss the application in favour of Dasuki. Having heard all submissions and objections, the judge over the matter, Ademola Adeniyi adjourned ruling on the application to Tuesday and Thursday, September 13 and 15. 

The former national security adviser is currently facing charges in various courts for illegal possession of firearms, money laundering and diversion of over N2.1 billion meant to for the Office of the National Security Adviser. 

The monies, the federal government alleged were diverted and used for the last general elections and campaign for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).