The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a final warning to the Federal Government, giving it until late September to conclude the long-standing trial of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd). The directive comes nearly ten years after Dasuki was first arraigned on charges of unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering.
Justice Peter Lifu, who presided over the case on Monday, announced September 24, 25, and 26 as the final dates for the prosecution to close its case. He emphasized that the government must present all remaining witnesses and evidence before the defence can open its case.
Dasuki, who served under the Goodluck Jonathan administration, has faced a drawn-out legal battle since his arrest in 2015. During the Monday proceedings, a Department of State Services (DSS) officer, who served as an exhibits keeper, testified that several items were recovered from Dasuki’s Abuja residence during a search in July 2015.
Among the items listed were two Blackberry phones, a laptop, GTBank cheque books, a Freedom Radio CD, a flash drive, foreign currency (including $500 and Saudi Riyals), and documents linked to a media company and foreign bank accounts. The court admitted these items as exhibits without objection.
The witness also testified that another large sum — $150,000 and ₦37.6 million — was recovered from Dasuki’s Sokoto residence, while no items were found during a third search at another property in the state.
Justice Lifu stressed the need for speedy justice and warned that no further delays would be tolerated.
> "This case has dragged on for almost a decade. The court will no longer entertain any excuses. The prosecution must conclude its case within the next sitting," the judge said.
Dasuki’s lead counsel, Ahmed Usman, did not oppose the evidence presented and noted that the defence is ready to proceed once the prosecution rests its case.
The matter was adjourned to September 24 for continuation.
Background
Dasuki was arrested in December 2015 over alleged diversion of funds meant for arms procurement under the former administration — a case popularly known as the "$2.1 billion arms deal scandal." He was accused of awarding phantom contracts and siphoning public funds, some of which were allegedly used for political campaigns.
Despite multiple court rulings granting him bail, Dasuki remained in custody until he was released in December 2019 after intense public and international pressure.
The current trial is one of several cases still pending against the former NSA.
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