The trial of former National Security Adviser, Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (retd), could not continue on Tuesday due to the absence of the prosecution witness, whose vehicle was said to have broken down at the south eastern part of Nigeria, hence could not make it to the court sitting.
Justice Ahmed Mohammed, before whom Dasuki was re-arraigned for alleged money laundering and firearms possession in 2017, was meant to preside over the stalled trial at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
Due to the prosecution witness’ absence, the federal government’s counsel pleaded with the judge to fix another date for the trial. The witness, a retired operative of the Department of States, was meant to be cross-examined by the defendant’s counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN).
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“The matter is for continuation of trial to enable the defense conclude his cross examination of PW1.
“My lord, we have just been informed that the vehicle the witness boarded to Abuja, broke down at the eastern part of the country, I learnt he has gone back home.
“I have informed my learned colleague and we have agreed that we should ask for another date to conclude the cross examination; we apologize,” the federal government counsel added.
On his part, Raji, SAN, did not oppose the prosecution’s prayers.
Recall that the federal government had alleged that it discovered hard currencies and different types of unlicensed firearms at Dasuki’s Abuja residence in 2015, hence his prosecution.
But the ex-NSA, who served under former president Goodluck Jonathan, had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Ruling on the matter on Tuesday, Justice Mohammed said “this case as agreed by learned counsel is adjourned to 30 and 31 of March for continuation of trial.”