One of the judges recently arrested by the Department of Security Service (DSS) over corruption allegation, Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday withdrew from presiding over the trial of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
Ademola was arrested on October 7 by DSS operatives who said they found huge sums of money in local and foreign currencies at his residence during the raid.
The beleaguered judge wrote to the Chief Justice of Nigeria days after he was released, saying his arrest was masterminded by Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
He said he was being persecuted for granting bail to Dasuki and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Ademola presided over some cases on Monday, but waited till Tuesday to announce his decision to withdraw from Dasuki’s case.
“I am sure you are conversant with what is going on the last seven days,” he began.
“One of the allegations being made against me is that I received some money from Sambo Dasuki. This is the allegation of the SSS.
“I thought I should tell the counsel what is being said.”
“Before I announce my decision, let me ask the defendant some questions.”
He then began a series of questions and answers between himself and Dasuki in an apparent effort to show his innocence.
Ademola: Do you know me at all?
Dasuki: Before I came to this court, not at all.
Ademola: Did you at any time give me money?
Dasuki: Not that I am aware of.
Ademola: Did you send your lawyers to give me money?
Dasuki: Not at all.
Ademola: Did you give money to any of my relatives?
Dasuki: Not at all, maybe the SSS alleging that did.
The arrest of Ademola and six other judges has pitted the President Muhammadu Buhari administration against the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
