DSS arrest: Justice Ademola withdraws from Dasuki’s trial, alleges intimidation; ex-NSA says ‘I have never given him money’

Days after he was released from detention by the Department of State Services (DSS), Justice Adeniyi Ademola of a Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, withdrew from presiding over the trial of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd).
Among others, Justice Ademola was accused of collecting money from the former NSA, necessitating the invasion of his Abuja official residence by DSS operatives.
Ademola, one of seven judges arrested by the DSS on allegations of corruption, claimed that he was being harassed and intimidated by the service.
He cited allegations of corruption by DSS against him, which is prosecuting Dasuki’s case, as the reason for his action.
The judge claimed that he was being harassed and intimidated for granting bail to Dasuki and Nnamdi Kanu, the Director of Radio Biafra.
The commencement of Dasuki’s full trial is yet to start, no thanks to series of interlocutory applications by prosecution and defence lawyers.
On Tuesday, Justice Ademola told the court that he was constrained to go ahead with hearing of the criminal case in view of the recent clampdown on some judges by the DSS.
The prosecution team is led by Dipo Okpeseyi while Adedayo Adedeji leads the defence team.
Justice Ademola told them: “I’m sure the prosecution and defence counsel are conversant with what is going on in the last seven days in this country. One of the allegations being made against me by the Department of State Services is that I received certain sums of unspecified money from the defendant.
“Of course, I have responded to that allegation of receiving an unspecified sums of money from the defendant but it will be wise for him (Dasuki) to answer some questions”.
He then engaged Dasuki.
Ademola: Do you know me at all?
Dasuki: Before I came to this court, not at all.
Ademola: Did you at any time give me money?
Dasuki: None that I am aware of.
Ademola: Did you send your lawyers to give me money?
Dasuki: Not at all.
Ademola: Did you give money to any of my relatives?
Dasuki: Not at all, maybe the DSS is alleging that I did.”
Ademola: I am happy that you have answered these questions. In the interest of fair hearing, I am minded to return the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for further action”.
Okpeseyi said: “We are guided by your Lordship’s decision even though we had come for a ruling and continuation of trial”.
Adedeji acknowledged the recent happenings and said the judge was right to take the step.
Consequently, Okpeseyi requested for an adjournment so that the counsel and the Chief Judge would ruminate over the issue and take the next step “rather than boxing the court into a tight corner”.
After hearing from the lawyers, Justice Ademola said: “This court is minded to transfer this case to the Chief Judge. The defendant has vehemently denied in open court today, the allegation made by the DSS. Therefore, this case file has been returned to the CJ in line with principle of fair hearing.
“This criminal matter has been adjourned to another date as may be fixed by the new judge” Justice Ademola declared.
The DSS had on October 7 raided Ademola’s residence in Abuja and other judges’ homes for alleged corruption.
The Service claimed it found money in local and foreign currencies in the sting operation. .
Dasuki, who is facing a five -count charge of terrorism, illegal possession of firearms and money laundering, is also challenging a Federal Government’s application to try him secretly.