By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, has told the court that statements made by the defendants were obtained voluntarily and in line with legal procedures.
The witness, Salihu Kadiri, who appeared as the third prosecution witness (PW3), gave the testimony on Wednesday during a trial-within-trial before Justice Charles Agbaza of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja.
Dasuki is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Aminu Baba Kusa, Acacia Holdings Limited, and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited on a 32-count charge bordering on alleged breach of trust and misappropriation of N33.2 billion.
The trial-within-trial was ordered following objections by defence counsel, who challenged the admissibility of their clients’ extrajudicial statements, alleging that they were not made voluntarily and contravened provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), Kadiri told the court that the statements were obtained under caution, with the defendants fully aware of their rights.
He explained that the second defendant wrote his statement at an EFCC office in the presence of investigators and other officials, maintaining that due process was followed.
During cross-examination by defence counsel, the witness confirmed that records existed of visits by staff of Acacia Holdings Limited to the defendants while in EFCC custody.
He, however, stated that no video recording was made during the statement-taking process, noting that the law does not mandate such recording, although CCTV surveillance was available at the time.
Responding to further questions, Kadiri said his signature was not required on certain parts of the statement, but pointed out that his handwriting appeared on the document.
Following the proceedings, Justice Agbaza adjourned the case to May 15 and May 29, 2026, for the defence to open its case.
The trial continues as part of ongoing efforts to prosecute alleged financial crimes involving public funds.