Court Orders FG to Conclude Dasuki’s Long-Running Trial: Key Takeaways
Court Mandates Closure of Dasuki’s Decade-Long Trial – What You Need to Know
A Long-Running Case Nears Conclusion
- The high-profile trial of former National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.)—initiated back in 2015 and entangled in delays, re-arraignments, and procedural hurdles—has now been given a firm deadline for completion.
- Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has directed the Federal Government to conclude its prosecution in September 2025, setting specific dates—September 24, 25, and 26—for the presentation of any remaining witnesses and prosecution exhibits.
- Following these hearings, the court expects the prosecution to close its case, paving the way for Dasuki to open his defence.
Case Background in Brief
- Dasuki was first arraigned in December 2015 on charges including unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering. The case faced extended delays, changing judges, stalled proceedings, and issues with bail compliance.
- In March 2025, the case was re-arraigned before a new judge on 32 counts involving approximately ₦33.2 billion, including criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds.
- In May 2025, Justice Lifu set a 3-day window in July for the prosecution to wrap up its case. During that period, guidelines were set regarding the admissibility of DSS subpoena materials and the prosecution presented initial DSS evidence—including recovered items from Dasuki’s residences.
What This Means
- For the Trial: The case—growing in legal limbo for nearly a decade—is now clearly scheduled to proceed to completion. No further open-ended adjournments are expected.
- For Dasuki: He will soon have the opportunity to present his defence following the prosecution’s closure, under the court’s ordered timeline.
- For Nigerians and the Justice System: This deadline signifies a positive step toward fulfilling the principles of speedy justice and breaking the pattern of stalled high-level prosecutions.
Trial Timeline Summary
| Milestone | Key Dates & Events |
|---|---|
| Initial Arraignment | December 2015 |
| Re-Arraignment (revised) | March 2025 (₦33.2 bn fraud, new judge) |
| Prosecution Evidence Phase | July 7–9, 2025 (3-day window set by court) |
| Court Closure Mandate | Sept 24–26, 2025 (to conclude prosecution and open defence phase) |
In Summary
The court has now effectively boxed the trial into a concrete timeframe, marking the end of decade-long legal uncertainty. Everything is set for the prosecution to conclude its case by late September 2025, thus enabling the remaining phase: Dasuki’s defence.
position="center"
About the Author
