•AGF, Solicitor General pray for time
THE Federal Government yesterday sought the understanding of the Federal High Court, Abuja in its handling of the case involving former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Mohammed Dasuki (rtd).
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN) and Solicitor General of the Federation Taiwo Abidogun asked the court for more time to familiarise themselves with the case.
Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja had last Friday invited the AGF to appear before his court yesterday in relation to the controversy surrounding the Dasuki case.
The judge’s invitation to the AGF was informed by complaint by Dasuki’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), that despite the order made by the court on November 3, allowing Dasuki to travel abroad, he was being prevented from embarking on the trip by security agents, who have allegedly laid siege to his Abuja home.
Yesterday, Abidogun, who was accompanied to the court by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Muhammad Diri, told the court that he and the AGF were just appointed and were yet to be fully briefed about the activities of the Federal Ministry of Justice, particularly in relation to the Dasuki case.
Abidogun sought for time to enable him and the AGF study the case and decide on the necessary steps to take.
“I have sought the understanding of the other party, who has given its consent to my overture. We have tremendous respect for this court and your lordship. We are seeking an adjournment to enable us to be briefed properly,” the solicitor general said.
He sought an adjournment for Monday next week on the ground that the AGF would formally resume duties in the ministry tomorrow.
Daudu did not object to Abidogun’s application for adjournment.
He only reminded the court that it’s November 3 order was yet to be executed owing, purportedly to the activities of operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS).
Justice Ademola granted Abidogun’s request and adjourned further proceedings in the case to November 23.
Dasuki is being tried before the court on a five-count charge of money laundering and illegal firearms possession.
He was arraigned earlier this year on the charge, to which he pleaded not guilty. Before trial could commence, he applied to the court for permission to travel abroad on health ground, an application the court granted on November 3.
Dasuki, in a fresh motion dated November 9, alleged that the state, acting through the DSS, has prevented him from travelling despite the court’s permission.
But, in its counter-motion, the Federal Government denied frustrating Dasuki’s travel plans.
The government explained that Dasuki’s refusal to honour an invitation sent to him on November 4 by the DSS, requesting him to clarify some issues relating to some fresh money laundering cases allegedly involving the ex-NSA, was responsible for why he was still unable to travel abroad.
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