Lawyer debunks claim Dasuki wants to be detained in DSS custody

Tribune Online
Lawyer debunks claim Dasuki wants to be detained in DSS custody

Counsel to Colonel Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd), the detained former National Security Adviser (NSA), Ahmed Raji (SAN) has said that his client has never wished or prayed that he be kept in the detention facility of the Department of State Security (DSS) for whatever reason.

The senior lawyer disclosed that contrary to the position of the DSS that Dasuki and others in its custody preferred to be kept in its custody than in prison custody, Dasuki is bent on pursuing his release from DSS custody.

Dasuki has been in custody of the DSS since 2015 despite been granted bail by four different courts in the country, including the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

He is standing trial on alleged diversion of funds meant for procurement of arms to fight insurgency and illegal possession of firearms.

Though, he pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been granted bail, the Federal Government has refused to release him on bail even after meeting the attached bail conditions.

However, in a statement last week, spokesman of the department, Peter Afunanya told Nigerians that many of those in their custody, including Dasuki, has opted to remain in their custody, adding that they appealed to courts to be left in the custody of the Service and not the prison.

ALSO READ: NIMASA remits N16bn to Consolidated Revenue Fund in 2019

The reason, according to the agency, is the quality of the holding facilities provided by the DSS, all of which, are purportedly good and within international standards.

But, in a swift reaction, Raji who described the DSS position as untrue, specifically as it relates to Dasuki said the statement, “As alluring as it sounds, is a contradiction of the events that have taken place since 2015 when charges were first preferred against Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki.”

The senior lawyer, who made Dasuki’s position known in a press statement released to journalists, queried why an individual will choose to remain in custody, contrary to his constitutional and internationally enshrined fundamental human rights, and still continuously challenge his unlawful detention at both national and international fora?

“It is, therefore, most incorrect and inaccurate to claim that Col. Dasuki prayed the Court to be kept in DSS facility.

“This is far from the truth. Perhaps, there is no synergy between the Counsel appearing for the government in Dasuki matters and the DSS hierarchy.

“Consequently, we appeal to all authorities and the DSS, to comply with the various extant orders of the Court, by immediately releasing Col. Dasuki (rtd).”

Raji in the statement gave an account of how Dasuki was arraigned before the various courts and consequently granted bail on all occasions, stressing that since the re-arrest of Col. Dasuki in December 2015, no further investigation was carried out and no new charges were preferred against him.

Lawyer debunks claim Dasuki wants to be detained in DSS custody
Tribune Online