Dasuki’s absence stalls trial

The absence of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), on Wednesday, stalled his trial at an FCT High Court, Abuja.
Dasuki, Shuaibu Salisu, a former NSA Director of Finance, and ‎Aminu Baba-Kusa, a former Executive Director, NNPC were arraigned for diversion of N13.6 billion meant for purchase arms.
The other defendants were Acacia Holding Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited
At Wednesday’s hearing, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), told the court that Dauski refused to come to the court because his lead counsel would be absent.
Jacobs said that he persuaded him to come but he said, “unless you abduct me, I am not coming’’.
Citing Sections 267(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, he said that it was a deliberate effort made by the first defendant and his counsel not to appear in court.
However, Mr Wale Balogun, holding brief for Mr Joseph Dauda (SAN), told the court that it was the duty of the prosecution to produce the first defendant in the court.
He said that the prosecuting counsel did not produce affidavits evidence before the court as for why he could not produce the first defendant.
Olakayode Dada, Mr Solomon Umoh (SAN), Dr Abiodun Layoun (SAN) and Mr Olajide Ayodele counsel for 2nd to fifth defendants, respectively aligned themselves with Balogun’s submission.
Justice Husseni Baba-Yusuf adjourned the till April 6 for continuation.