Sele Media Africa
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Reported by Amos Dachung (Sele Media Africa Reporter)

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Money Laundering Trial: Ex‑NSA Dasuki Kicks as FG Moves to Tender Evidence

Abuja — Former National Security Adviser Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) has raised objections as the Federal Government presses ahead to tender exhibits in his longstanding trial on money laundering and unlawful possession of firearms. The case, which has dragged on since 2015, is poised to reach a critical phase as prosecutors are expected to close their case this September. [1]

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What the Court Ordered

•⁠ ⁠Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed September 24, 25, and 26, 2025 as the dates by which the Federal Government must call any remaining witnesses and tender all outstanding exhibits. [2]
•⁠ ⁠Once the prosecution closes its case, Dasuki is expected to open his defence. [3]

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Evidence to Be Tendered

•⁠ ⁠Monsur Mohammed, an exhibits keeper with the Department of State Services (DSS), testified to items recovered from Dasuki’s Abuja residence (46 Nelson Mandela Street, Asokoro) following searches after his arrest. Items include cheque books, laptops, mobile phones, flash drives, bank statements, CDs, and other digital and physical documents. [1] •⁠ ⁠From his Sokoto residence in Sabo Birni, $150,000 and ₦37.6 million in cash were recovered. The prosecution has said the cash has been deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and will be tendered as exhibits in court. [2]
•⁠ ⁠In another property (Sultan Abubakar Road, Sokoto), no items were found. [1]

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Dasuki’s Objection

•⁠ ⁠Dasuki has “kicked” (objected) to some aspects of evidence being tendered, though reports don’t give full details of every objection. The legal team has in prior hearings raised concerns about the admissibility of some items or whether required formal procedures (certifications, chain of custody, etc.) have been properly observed. [1]

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Why It’s Crucial

•⁠ ⁠The rush to close the prosecution’s case by late September marks a turning point in a trial that has spanned ten years. [4]
•⁠ ⁠How the court rules on the admissibility of the exhibits could significantly affect the strength of the prosecution’s case. If key evidence is rejected, it may impact the ability to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
•⁠ ⁠The case has both legal and political undertones, given Dasuki’s high profile and the historical controversies surrounding the arms procurement and security spending during his tenure.

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