The trial which has lasted for a decade was again stalled on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja following the absence of the Nigerian government’s witness.
The trial of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd), on charges of unlawful possession of firearms has been adjourned again.
The trial which has lasted for a decade was again stalled on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja following the absence of the Nigerian government’s witness.
The trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, had earlier ordered that proceedings in the case must be concluded within September.
However, Wednesday’s adjournment underscored the prosecution’s continued inability to produce its witnesses on schedule.
At the resumed proceedings on Wednesday, the first prosecuting witness, Monsur Mohammed, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, was cross-examined by Dasuki’s counsel, A. A. Usman, according to Daily Post.
After the brief session, Justice Lifu ordered the prosecution team, led by Chief Oladipupo Okpeseyi (SAN), to call its next witness.
But Okpeseyi informed the court that the proposed witness was not in attendance and sought a stand-down to enable him to make contact.
Though the request was initially granted, the lawyer returned an hour later to seek an adjournment, informing the court that the witness’s mother was undergoing surgery in an Abuja hospital.
Justice Lifu, who became dissatisfied, reminded the prosecution of his subsisting order mandating that the case must be concluded in September 2025.
The judge thereafter adjourned the matter until Thursday, September 25, warning that the Nigerian government must “put its house in order” and ensure that its witnesses are available in court.
Meanwhile, under cross-examination, Monsur Mohammed, who identified himself as a Store Keeper with the DSS, told the court he had been trained to handle arms and ammunition during his 18 years with the secret police.
However, he admitted that he had no special license from the DSS to personally handle firearms.
Justice Lifu had earlier fixed September 24, 25, and 26 for the Nigerian government to conclude its case against Dasuki by calling all remaining witnesses and tendering exhibits.
Dasuki, who served as National Security Adviser under former President Goodluck Jonathan, has faced trial since 2015 under the defunct Muhammadu Buhari administration.
He was arraigned on an amended seven-count charge bordering on unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering.
Dasuki’s prosecution has been one of Nigeria’s most drawn-out cases, marked by repeated adjournments, prolonged detentions, and multiple legal battles over his bail and human rights.
In 2019, after four years in custody, the Buhari government eventually released him following sustained pressure from human rights groups and court rulings declaring his detention illegal.
The latest adjournment prolongs uncertainty over a trial that has spanned three administrations and raised concerns about selective prosecution, given Dasuki’s past allegations that his ordeal was politically motivated.
Dasuki is expected to open his defence once the Nigerian government concludes its presentation of evidence.
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