FOR the second day running, the Department of State Security Service
(DSS) continued its siege to the residence of the former National
Security Adviser, Mr. Sambo Dasuki.
Dasuki, who remained adamant not to accept DSS invitation, remained
under house arrest at his residence for the second day running.
Other than the comfort of his residence, Dasuki cannot move out.
There were however indications that the battle might shift to the
court on Monday as both parties were busy discussing with their lawyers
yesterday.
Dasuki may return to the court to report his inability to travel to London for medical treatment.
Investigation revealed that operatives of DSS were still stationed at
the residence of Dasuki to serve him a letter of invitation for an
interaction with the Director-General of the agency.
While the operatives kept vigil at the gate of the exquisite mansion,
Dasuki refused to come out to receive the letter of invitation.
A top source said: “The drama has continued in Dasuki’s house. Both
the DSS and Dasuki are locked in endless vigil. The DSS insisted on
Dasuki personally receiving the letter of invitation but the ex-NSA said
it should be given to his aides.
“The tension over the letter peaked in Dasuki’s residence when an
Assistant Director of DSS added the caveat that the former NSA must
personally sign for it. Dasuki was said to be suspicious of appending
his signature to any letter.
“It has been a ding-dong affair. The DSS does not want to invade
Dasuki’s residence and the former NSA is under compulsory house arrest.
“Although some visitors had been coming to meet with Dasuki, they were usually subjected to thorough screening while leaving.
“The operatives have conducted their activities with decorum. No
visitor or member of Dasuki’s household has been molested so far.
“A new dimension also crept into the matter. Dasuki said if he is
wanted in connection with $2 billion arms deal, the invitation letter
should not read an audience with the DG of SSS.
“He said the letter brought y the DSS and read to his aides indicated
that he was wanted by the DSS DG and not the panel probing arms deal.
“Dasuki also said he cannot be isolated for investigation because the
mandate given to the probe panel was from 2007 to 2015. He said many
ministers, ex-NSAs, DGs of DSS, and military officers are under the
scrutiny of the panel.
“Dasuki said he will only honour a letter of invitation by the panel or a warrant of arrest from a court.”
Meanwhile, there were indications at press time yesterday that both
parties were seeking legal consultations on the next line of action.
Dasuki, who met with his lawyers yesterday, may return to court on
Monday to give status report on the refusal of the DSS to allow him to
travel abroad for treatment.
Another source said: “Dasuki’s counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), may go to
court on Monday on the inability of his client to travel abroad for
treatment. Dasuki may apply for a fresh order to enforce his fundamental
human rights as a citizen.
“The DSS may also approach a court for an order to arrest Dasuki to
compel the ex-NSA to honour the arms deal panel’s invitation.
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