I’m Ready For Resumption Of My Trial – Sambo Dasuki
Sambo Dasuki, a former National Security Adviser, has declared his readiness to head to court for the continuation of his trial over alleged abuse of office, illegal possession of arms and money laundering.
Dasuki, who was released by the Department of State Services (DSS) after fours years in incarceration on Tuesday, stated this in an interview with the Hausa Service of the Voice of America (VOA) on Wednesday.
The ex-NSA had in 2018 said he would no longer attend trial until the Federal Government and the DSS comply with the orders of different courts, which approved his release on bail.
A total of five courts granted him bails, but the Federal Government ignored all the court orders.
However, Dasuki, who was arrested in 2015 and arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has said he is ready to continue with the trial after being released from custody.
“I was going to court. Why I stopped going to court was because the court ordered for my release. This was not obeyed. So, I said, anytime the government released me, we would continue with the case. I am ready,” he said.
Asked whether he wants to make an appeal to the government, Dasuki stated no; but later waxed philosophical, saying: “Whatever happens to anyone in life, it is what God has ordained. Lack of knowledge or faith is what makes people think an individual is behind their travails or makes a person think he did this to you. It is what God ordains that happens. Like you said, I spent four years in detention; today, I am out.
“Only God knows what tomorrow holds. No one has authority over tomorrow. All that is required is justice. Everyone who goes to the mosque on Friday and is a Muslim, must have heard an Imam preach about justice and holding on to the truth. There is a reason why they do so; they should be listened to.”
On whether he has any personal issue with President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly with the coup which led to the latter’s ouster as the military head of state in 1985, the ex-NSA said: “I don’t know about that. What I know is that what happened was destined by God.
“I don’t have a dispute with anyone, I am more than that.”
Dasuki also stated that he did not suffer from any ailment while in detention, adding: “I met my family in good health; thank God.”
He thanked Nigerians who prayed for his release, saying: “We thank all for their prayers. It is only God that will reward them. There is nothing to say other than to pray to God to reward them. We saw what started and it has ended peacefully.”
Dasuki was released on Tuesday following a directive by Abubakar Malami, the Attorney General of the Federation to the DSS that the retired colonel alongside Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, in respect of the bail granted to both of them by various courts.