Former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd) has sent out words to his family members, relatives, associates and prominent Nigerians who are his friends not to beg President Muhammadu Buhari over his ongoing trial.
This revelation was made to our correspondent by a source close to Dasuki.
Speaking on the ex-NSA as he nears two years in government custody, the source replied: “Well, you all know what is happening. He has been granted bails by four different high courts; ECOWAS court also ordered his release but they won’t allow him go”.
“The question we are asking them is: Why keep a man even when courts said let him go home. His lawyers even said government can keep as many security operatives around him to monitor his movement, visitors etc.
“The general believe around the country is that there is more to this matter than government is letting us know but they should remember we will all die one day. Those fighting a personal course should have this at the back on their mind”.
Asked specifically to describe how Dasuki was faring, the source said: “He is strong. I have not seen a person like him. Being strong-willed is part of military training and obviously it’s part of him”.
“But I can tell you that he still insists on open trial that will have the media in attendance. Dasuki wants the world to hear shocking things. He also asked us to tell all those who know him that nobody should beg President Buhari over his ordeal. He was very clear on this.
“Dasuki knew he would be probed but chose to remain in Nigeria. He revealed that he didn’t flee the country because he is not a coward. He said he is ready to face whatever will happen to him in custody or prison…even death”. DAILY POST recall that since 2015, Dasuki has been granted bail by Justice Adeniyi Ademola and Justice Ahmed Rahmat Mohammed of the Federal High Court as well as Justice Peter Affen and Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf of the FCT High Courts.
The ECOWAS Court had also in a judgement ordered the federal government to free him from custody. The court further imposed a fine of N15,000,000 on government. In one of the court sessions, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN) pointedly accused the Nigerian government of frustrating the Dasuki trial.
Olujimi told an FCT High Court that it was irritating for government to have persistently and consistently refused to produce the Sokoto prince, who has been in DSS custody, in court.
Dasuki was the first senior official of the Jonathan government to be charged under President Muhammadu Buhari, who took in office in May 2015.
Arrested in the morning of December 1, 2015 by the Department of State Services (DSS), Dasuki is accused of awarding phantom contracts to buy 12 helicopters, four fighter jets and ammunition.
He is also answering charges of unlawful possession of firearms and alleged mismanagement of $2bn meant to fight the Boko Haram insurgency. He denies all allegations.
His associates and members of the former ruling party, PDP, hold the view that Dasuki’s case has become “persecution” by the Buhari government over his role in the 1985 coup.
Dasuki, perhaps in anticipation of his arrest, spoke on the matter two months after Buhari assumed office.
He maintained that he never maltreated Buhari during the coup.
Dasuki told founder of PRNigeria and blogger Yushau Shuaib in an interview: “General Buhari should know who he should blame”.
Recalling events, Dasuki disclosed how he and two young military officers he said are still alive travelled to Jos to brief Major General Buhari of (then) GOC of 3rd Armoured Division on the furtherance of the planning of the 1983 coup, which made Buhari the major beneficiary of the ouster of elected President Shehu Shagari.
He said Buhari, in one of their interactions, expressed his bitterness about insinuations on his stewardship in one of the public institutions.
Dasuki noted that he assured Buhari not to worry about such reckless and mischievous insinuations.
On his participation in the coup that saw the exit of Buhari less than two years after he became Head of State, Dasuki insisted that Buhari cannot say he is not aware of the man behind the act.
On his alleged maltreatment of Buhari after the coup, he responded: “I always respect and dignify my seniors and those in positions of authority whether in service or after.”
“Though a young officer, I was reluctant to be among those that arrested him. I was not. I only met him afterward at Bonny Camp with Lawal Rafindadi.
”There is no way I could have maltreated him as being alleged in some quarters. I am glad most of the actors are still alive.”
On his roles in politics, Dasuki narrated how he supported Buhari’s aspiration for presidency in 2003, 2007 and 2011.
He further mentioned names of individuals who were also privy to his active involvement.
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