Former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki yesterday refused to appear in court for his trial.
His absence stalled his trial at a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.
Dasuki, Shuaibu Salisu, a former NSA
Director of Finance, and Aminu Baba-Kusa, a former Nigeria National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Executive Director, have been arraigned for
alleged diversion of N13.6 billion meant for purchase of arms.
The other defendants are Acacia Holding Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited.
At yesterday’s hearing, prosecuting
counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) said Dauski refused to come to the court
because his lead counsel would be absent.
Jacobs said he persuaded him to come but he said “unless you abduct me, I am not coming’’.
Citing Sections 267(2) of the
Administration of Criminal Justice Act, he said it was a deliberate
effort made by the first defendant and his counsel not to appear in
court.
However, Mr Wale Balogun, holding brief
for Mr Joseph Dauda (SAN), told the court that it was the duty of the
prosecution to produce the first defendant in court.
He said the prosecuting counsel did not
produce affidavit evidence before the court as for why he could not
produce the first defendant.
Olakayode Dada, Mr Solomon Umoh (SAN),
Dr Abiodun Layoun (SAN) and Mr Olajide Ayodele, counsel for second to
fifth defendants, aligned themselves with Balogun’s submission.
Justice Husseni Baba-Yusuf adjourned till April 6 for continuation.