Illegal fire arms: DSS charges Dasuki to court

The immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) has been charged to court by the Department of State Security Services (DSS), over offenses related to possession of fire arms without license. A statement by the DSS on Monday issued by Tony Opuiyo said after searching Dasuki’s houses on July 16, 2015, its men discovered large cache of arms and ammunition and has subsequently charged him to court.

Opuiyo stated that the search was necessitated by credible intelligence which linked him to acts capable of undermining national security.

“The search operation led to the recovery of large cache of arms and ammunition among other things and for which further investigation was conducted.

“Consequently, on Monday 24th August, 2015, he was charged to court based on evidence so far obtained, but which relates to possession of fire arms without license,” Opuiyo stated.

He noted that the crime is punishable under section 27(i) (a)(i) of the Firearms Act Cap F28 LFN 2004, adding that: “This is in line with democratic practice and our avowed commitment to the rule of law.”

Opuiyo emphasized that nobody was above the law no matter how highly placed in the society.

Recall that operatives of the DSS had stormed the Abuja residence of the ex-NSA, located at 13 John Khadiya Street, Asokoro District, placing him and his friend, Colonel Bello Fadile (retd.), under house arrest for 24-hours between Thursday, July 16 to Friday, July 17, 2015.

Another set of the secret Police operatives had also laid siege on another property belonging to Mr. Dasuki’s father in Sokoto, holding occupants hostage and searching everywhere.

Mr. Dasuki was removed as NSA on Monday, July 13, by President Muhammadu Buhari after serving for three years as Nigeria’s National Security Adviser. He was appointed on June 22, 2012 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.