The Department for State Services on Saturday night alleged that former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) was guilty of felony, corruption, abuse of power and possession of dangerous weapons.
The DSS in a statement claimed sophisticated rifles, (high assault weapons), several magazines, military related gears and 12 new vehicles, including five bullet proof cars from the former NSA’s home.
DSS in its claim, said what were recovered from the former NSA’s home were capable of disrupting the peace of any city in the country.
The DSS faulted Dasuki for being economical with the truth on what transpired in his house.
The Service made the claims in a statement signed by it official, Tony Opuiyo.
DAILY POST recalls that the DSS Thursday stormed the former NSA’s home putting him under house arrest over allegation relating to financial diversion and poor handling of the nation’s security while on seat.
Meanwhile, while justifying its action, the DSS in the statement justified said it had “credible intelligence linking Dasuki with alleged plans to commit treasonable felony against the Nigerian State.”
Opuiyo said, “DSS conducted a search on the properties belonging to the former NSA. The properties are on Nos. 13, John Khadya Street, Nos. 46, Nelson Mandela Street, both at Asokoro, Abuja, and Nos. 3 Sabon Birni Road, Gwiwa Area, Sokoto, Sokoto State.
“The search operations were planned to be simultaneously conducted, but Dasuki refused the operatives entry into his main residence located at No. 13 John Khadya Street, Asokoro, despite being presented with a genuine and duly signed search warrant. Consequently, what was to last not more than two hours, lasted more than 10 hours, up till the early hours of July 17.
“If not for the sense of maturity and professionalism of the officers and men assigned this task and the very good understanding and timely intervention of the new Chief of Army Staff, Tsukur Buratai (Maj Gen), there would have been a clash between the Army operatives guarding the house and service operatives, as Dasuki directed the soldiers on duty not to allow any movement into his house, despite the subsisting court order.”
The DSS also claimed that despite his removal as the NSA, Dasuki’s security guards were intact.
Opuiyo stated, “He retired from the Army as a colonel, and therefore, not entitled to have military guards, if not for the fact that he was NSA. Even as NSA, such guards should have been withdrawn after his removal as NSA since he would not have been entitled.
“Twelve exotic vehicles were retrieved from Dasuki’s residence having failed to produce evidence of ownership. For instance, what could he be doing with five bullet proof cars as a retired NSA? These cars, which from all available evidence, were purchased with tax payers’ money were being kept for possible sinister enterprise.”
It claimed that the search operation was aimed at moving in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s resolve to be proactive and pre-empt individuals who may likely let impunity and lawlessness on the nation and put it back to the dark days.
The security agency further disclosed that the lethal arms and vehicles recovered were not reflected in Dasuki’s handover notes.
“What could a former NSA be doing with destructive weapons and bullet proof cars which put together could disrupt the peace of any city in Nigeria for a while?
“On the search of his three properties, including the Sokoto residence, the Service is aware that in his capacity and given his antecedents, he might decide to use any of his residences for such diabolical plans, rather than his main residence,” Opuiyo added.
The service said it was determined to use all constitutional means to bring those who are bent on breaking the rules governing Nigeria’s peaceful co-existence to their kneels.
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