Former NSA Dasuki granted bail

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, bail.

Mr. Dasuki, Nigeria’s immediate past NSA, was arraigned Tuesday on a one-count charge of illegal possession of firearms.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Diri.

In his application for bail, JB Daudu, counsel to the former NSA, argued that Mr. Dasuki’s alleged offence was bail-able.

“His being on bail does not mean he will interfere with the investigation or disappear‎. His passport is with the state. We ask that he is bailed on self-recognisance,” he said.

The prosecuting counsel, who did not object to the request, urged the court to use its discretion.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola granted Mr. Dasuki bail on self-recognition, pending the determination of the charge against him.

The judge adjourned the case for hearing between October 26 and 27.

Mr. Dasuki, appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan, to coordinate Nigeria’s security agencies in the heat of the country’s war against Boko Haram insurgents, has had a rough time since he was removed last month.

Shortly after he was fired, he was placed under house arrest while his home, in the heart of Abuja city, was searched by Nigeria’s secret police, the State Security Service, in a standoff that lasted several hours.