Politics
AT last, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd), former National Security Adviser during the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, has given evidence at the ongoing trial of former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olisa Metuh.
Metuh was arraigned on January 15, 2016, before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja over allegation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he unlawfully received the sum of N400 million from the ex-NSA.
However, at a resumed criminal trial of Metuh (first defendant) and his company, Destra Investments Ltd (second defendant) on Friday, Dasuki declined answering any question that bordered on his activity as the NSA.
Upon cross examination by the prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, the ex-NSA insisted that he could not be able to answer any question in relation to any official transaction until he makes reference to his records.
Though, Dasuki admitted knowing Metuh in person and as former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, however, he reiterated the need for him to make reference to his records before responding to a question on whether he knew Metuh’s company.
“I know the first defendant as Chief Olisa Metuh, I know him as a person.
When asked if he knew Metuh’s office in the last dispensation, Dasuki replied; “He was publicity secretary of the political party in government, the PDP, which I proudly served.
“But on whether I know him officially, I have to make reference to my records,” Dasuki insisted.
More so, Dasuki refused to say if there existed a relationship between Office of the National Security Adviser and Metuh’s company.
“I am not aware of the relationship that existed between ONSA and the defendants. Not without my records, I cannot confirm,” Dasuki said.
The prosecution counsel requested that an attached document to Exhibit B (e-payment mandate) be shown to Dasuki, which the court did.
Reacting, Dasuki confirmed the document was an e-payment mandate, but refused to say anything less.
Probing further, Tahir asked Dasuki if he could recall, going by the e-payment mandate, that ONSA had transaction with the defendants.
“It is a document from the prosecution that is desperate to secure a conviction, that is why I insist on getting my records,” Dasuki said.
“But your name was mentioned in the e-payment,” the prosecution asked Dasuki.
In reply, the subpoenaed witness said, “My name has been purportedly typed out there and what appears to be my signatories are there.”
On the purpose of the N400m alleged to be transferred from ONSA to Metuh’s company, Dasuki stated; “I have nothing to say, if you want an answer to your question, I still have to refer to my records.”
Dasuki said exhibit D1 (letter from Diamond bank,” showing an in flow payment of N400m into Destra account, was a purported payment.
Earlier, when he was led in evidence by Metuh’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, Dasuki said he had not been convicted before.
When asked whether as NSA, if he entered into any unlawful act with Metuh, the witness said, “No. To the best of my knowledge.”
In addition, Dasuki said he was statutorily answerable to President Goodluck Jonathan (2010-2015).
Continuation of trial has been fixed for December 4, 5 and 6. – Independent
– Nov 3, 2017 @ 15:00 GMT |
Tags: Dasuki Testifies declines Questions on ONSA Official Transaction Olisa Metuh Sylvanus Tahir
