A Justice of the Federal High Court, Adeniyi Ademola, occused of corruption by the Department of State Services (DSS) has withdrawn from the trial of Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser (NSA).
Justice Ademola made the announcement of his withdrawal on Tuesday, citing allegations of corruption levelled against him by the DSS, as the reason for his action.
When Dasuki’s case was called, Ademola addressed Dapo Okpeseyi, the prosecution, and Adedayo Adedeji, counsel to Dasuki, before announcing his decision to withdraw from the case.
“I’m sure you are conversant with what is going on the last seven days. One of the allegations being made against me is that I received some money from Sambo Dasuki,” he said.
“This is the allegation of the DSS. I thought I should tell the counsel what is being said. Before I announce my decision let me ask the defendant (Dasuki) some questions.”
Justice Ademola and Dasuki then had a dialogue that went as follows:
Ademola: Do you know me at all?
Dasuki: Before I came to this court, not at all.
Ademola: Did you at any time give me money?
Dasuki: Not that I am aware of.
Ademola: Did you send your lawyers to give me money?
Dasuki: Not at all.
Ademola: Did you give money to any of my relatives?
Dasuki: Not at all, maybe the DSS alleging that did.”
The DSS raided Ademola’s house, and arrested him on October 7.
The secret police claimed it found huge sums of money — foreign currencies — in his possession.
