The federal high court, Abuja has ordered the trial of Former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki in absentia on alleged illegal possession of firearms and money laundering following his refusal to show up before the court .
In a letter dated November 12, 2018,presented to the court , Dasuki made his stand known when he wrote and asked the court to absolve him of any obligation of appearing at his trial, since the State Security Service, an agent of government detaining him has refused to respect the various court order for his bail.
At the proceeding on monday, counsel for the federal government, Dipo Opeseyi, in an application urged the court to stand down the proceeding till Dasuki is being brought to court or compel him to appear at the next adjourned date or alternatively try Dasuki in absentia .
And that he was surprise that Dasuki was indeed not in court after necessary arrangement to convey him to court has been made.
In response, the defence counsel, Victor Okudili urged the court to discontenance the application filled by the prosecution because its not in compliance with rule 10 subsection 2 of the rules of professional conduct which require afix of seal on document filed.
He also argued that Dasuki mUst be given fair hearing by the federal government complying with court orders.
Ruling on the application , Justice Ahmed Mohammed held that he will not make the order as requested by the prosecution but will instead evoke section 352 of the administration of criminal justice act to order trial in absentia since the Colonel Sambo Dasuki has on his own decided not to attend his trial.
The judge noted that there is no where in the letter Dasuki refer to his rights being tramples upon.
Trial has been adjourned to the 11th of December 2018.
Dasuki was re-arrested at Kuje Prison in Abuja on December 29, 2015, shortly after he perfected his bail in respect of the three sets of charges filed against him before different judges.
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