A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, November 13 adjourned hearing on a suit filed against Nigerian government by Sambo Dasuki, the former National Security Adviser (NSA).
Ademola Adeniyi, the Justice of the federal high court, Abuja hearing the motion against the government said his ruling on Dasuki’s treatment abroad was clear and did not see any even reason why anyone would flout his order.
Sambo Dasuki
He stated that from his ruling there was definite days count for which the former NSA can be away for his treatment.
“I think on my own side, I have made an order which has to be complied with.
“What is the magic there, I think you should appreciate the point I am making,” he said.
Adeniyi asked that the attorney general of the federation Abubakar Malami to appear before the court for definite on ruling on the case.
But the prosecuting counsel argued that Dasuki’s travel abroad might interfere with investigations by the Department of State Security (DSS).
However, the judge said: “Even the supreme court will not say that you should not investigate anybody. Nobody would say you should not continue your investigations.”
The prosecuting counsel added that the order was flouted because of the fresh charges against Dasuki.
“What is wrong with the person going; it is only a fit person that can be investigated, so let the sick man go to where he is going and come back. There is no big deal,” the judge interjected.
Following this, counsel to the former NSA said an order has been flouted even when it was made clear that his client is not any way against further investigations on him.
He also said that the ministry of justice should educate its judges and endeavour to file charges on the authority on evidences against the ex-NSA, rather than the unruly exhibition showed towards orders made by the court of law.
The judge called on both counsels to be careful about the ongoing case due to local and international interest.
But counsel to the Nigerian government cited an incidence that proceeded the Dasuki’s event where a commissioner of police refused to honour invitation for investigation after being allowed to stay away for some time.
Also apologizing to the defending counsel, the judge warned the prosecutor that he should be aware that judges are the almighty on earth and has the authority to remove anyone.
“There is no way I am going to change my own order; there is no need for me to start hearing all these,” the judge continued.
“Even if you want him to come to you, you have to even open you barricade because I can see he is not even here,” he said.
The defence counsel prayed the court to invite the attorney general of the federation into the court as it appears the DSS seems not to be obeying court orders.
On this the prosecuting counsel said the case has not gotten to the level of inviting the attorney general.
But the judge asked DSS counsels go back and brief the attorney general or he (the judge) will be forced to do so.
Adeniyi adjourned the case to Monday, November 16 for definite hearing with the attorney general of the federation present, adding that he is also worried that defendant’s health could be deteriorating.
A former minister of aviation Femi Fani-Kayode was present at court. He said he was present at the hearing to show solidarity to the former NSA.
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