FG fails to defend Dasuki’s N500m suit at ECOWAS court

Abuja - The federal government risks paying former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (retd) N500m over his continued detention,

This is because the government has failed to file a defence to a suit lodged by Dasuki at the  ECOWAS Court in Abuja.

Dasuki had in January dragged the government before the Court over his continued detention.
Also read: Dasuki appeals to Buhari to allow him 'enjoy' bail
He is demanding payment of N500 million damages for alleged rights infringement.
Dasuki is also urging the sub-regional court to order his release forthwith.

But the government has not filed a reply to the originating application, more than 30 days after it was served.
The government by law was expected to file a reply to Dasuki’s nine-point application within 30 days after it was served.

More than one week after the stipulated time which technically, expired on February 6, 2016, the government was yet to file its response to issues raised by Dasuki in the suit.

Instead, government, through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), said it would respond to the issues raised by Dasuki at the appropriate time.

The matter has been fixed for March 16, 2016 for hearing.

Nigeria's former national security adviser Sambo Dasuki attends a hearing to face charges of possessing weapons illegally, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria. (AP Photo file)