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.
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