Chidiebele Samuel
I couldn’t watch the live proceedings of the court session in which the former National Security Adviser(NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki, was arrainged on charges of illegal possession of arms because I was busy at work. Getting back from work after a stressful day and going through the Internet to get up to date information on the happenings around the world, I was hit by a puzzling picture.
The former NSA boss sitting calmly in an obviously specially placed cushioned Seat (noticeably different from other seats used by lawyers close by), grossly engrossed in whatever he was reading on his newspaper. I shook my head in amazement, a giggle I am sure must have unintentionally being expressed by me. On a closer look at his composure, I laughed heartily. That is not all, as I scrolled down the news item on my phone from the news site, I came across an equally interesting statement that he was given bail on self recognition.
Ordinary, it would have been just a normal news for me, knowing how our judiciary works and being aware that our constitutionally guaranteed laws of the land assumes you are innocent until proven otherwise guilty, I expected nothing less. However, the social storm created by the invasion of his house by men of the Department of state security service (DSS) on the social media in the weeks and days prior to his arraignment made it different. A significant number of people assumed and clamored that he be arraigned prosecuted, jailed and not released in a long while having listened to the “media prosecution” being run by this administration.
I know things don’t work like that, at least not in Nigeria. I am aware that Nigerians want someone, anyone to be punished immediately but that is not how our justice system works. My attempts to correct this anomaly on various social forums led to severe antagonism, abuse and maybe hatred. I cared less, knowing I was right and would soon be proven so in a not too distant future.
Well, it happened and not only was he granted bail, it was given to him on self recognition (I expected surety and large sums of money deposited in court). Do not put much emphasis on the fact that his passport was surrendered to the authorities. I am sure he will be granted permission very soon to go abroad for medical check up, and being a private citizen with means to afford his medical treatment, he will be given the permission and his passport released.
Please note that this piece is not saying that the Retired Colonel is guilty of the charges labeled against him neither is it saying that he is innocent. In fact, I really don’t know the guiltiness or otherwise of the ex-NSA scribe. However, that is how the system works. Innocent until proven otherwise guilty. This trial will likely take long before it reaches a logical conclusion. The Constitution guarantees a two level appeal system. Thereby potentially adding more years to a final verdict. I won’t be surprised if the judgment is given in favor of the colonel due to reason of botched prosecution or some form of technicalities not purely on the merit of the case.
In larger contest, if the present administration actually wants to get things done in Nigeria, especially in their war against corruption, they need to focus on judicial reforms. This reform must focus on the timing, duration, and character of cases in the court. It must also look into the quality and welfare of staff as well as protection for judiciary staff that should be encouraged to maintain their integrity in our nation of very corrupt actors.
Until this is done we should always expect this kind of outcome in every case involving an exposed Nigerian with means. And yes, before you ask me of my prediction on the outcome of the State’s case against Col Sambo Dasuki, I predict he will be acquitted of all charges. It is just how the system works, at least for now.
Chidiebele Samuel is a social critic.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author
