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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki refused to be brought to court for his trial on Wednesday.
Being prosecuted with two co-accused over diversion of N32 billion meant for arms procurement, Dasuki revealed that he would not appear in court due to the absence of his senior lawyers, Punch has reported.
The development follows an application made by Dasuki seeking an order to prohibit the EFCC from prosecuting him due to his continued detention. The application was later dismissed and the trial set for March 23 (Wednesday).
According to lead prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), Dasuki stated that he would not be appearing in court without his lawyers unless he is “abducted”.
In addition, Jacobs has alleged that Dasuki’s lawyers have refused to consult with their client in DSS custody so as to continue using the excuse of lack of access to him to frustrate the case.
“When a defendant is in custody, the counsel should be allowed access to the defendant.
“I asked the DSS whether the lawyers ever made attempt to see him, they said they never did. It is a deliberate plan to frustrate the trial,” said Jacobs.
Counsel who represented Dasuki, however, refuted the claims, with Wale Balogun saying that Dasuki is required to appear in court at the trial and that no application was filed with the court to excuse him from appearing.
The case has since been adjourned to April 6.
