Dasuki begs ex-President to testify in court

Former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki, who is being prosecuted for alleged corruption, wants former president Goodluck Jonathan to be his witness, the Nation reports.

Dasuki is facing trial for alleged mismanagement of $2.1 billion arms funds.

The newspaper cited Dasuki's lawyer, Mr Ahmed Raji (SAN) to have said that the ex-NSA wants Jonathan to testify in court.

"It will be desirable for Jonathan to testify for the ex-NSA. It will throw greater light into grey areas. And it will serve the interest of Justice," Raji was quoted as saying.

According to another source believed to be privy to the matter, Dasuki's defence team is banking on Jonathan's testimony and has secured the ex-president's consent.

The source said: "All is set for the defence of Dasuki, who is still insisting on an open trial to let Nigerians know the beneficiaries of the arms cash.

"One of those who may testify is ex-President Goodluck Jonathan whose remarks in London appeared to be the first phase of the war chest of the ex-NSA.

"You know the ex-NSA said he acted on Jonathan’s instructions in disbursing some of the cash. And from the look of things, the ex-President is now ready to accept responsibility for whatever Dasuki did.

"We believe it has reached a level that Nigerians must know what really happened, how funds were disbursed and who got what.

"This is why a secret trial is not a viable option, with the way things are going.

"So far, we have secured the consent of Jonathan to appear in court for Dasuki. This will make the trial worth it."

It was gathered that a traditional ruler in the north allegedly got about N500 million from the arms cash.

Another source told the newspaper: "Dasuki has a list of highly-placed beneficiaries from the arms cash. A particular traditional ruler got about N500million as a gift from the government through the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA). There are many hidden beneficiaries whom Nigerians must know.

"Nigerians will be shocked by some revelations which will come up during the trial. Nothing short of open trial will let Nigerians know the truth. We are ready for this."

Jonathan had in a recent interview at the Oxford Union in the United Kingdom said Dasuki could not have stolen the $2.1 billion budgeted for the purchase of arms for the military.