The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted permission to the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki’s application for treatment abroad.
The court ordered that the travel documents of Col. Dasuki be released to allow him travel abroad for his cancer treatment.
In his ruling, the judge in charge of the case, Justice Ademola Adeniyi said that the court had earlier granted bail to the former NSA without conditions.
“The defendant was granted bail on self-recognizance, that means that there was no conditions attached,” Adeniyi said.
He said although the chief medical director of National Hospital, Abuja in an affidavit submitted by the defendant has said the ailment can be treated in Nigeria, the constitution allows every citizen to choose a medical facility of his choice within or outside the country.
However, the judge in his ruling said the defendant applicant must upon 3 days of arrival, submit his travel documents to the court.
He is also expected to produce a surety who will sign an undertaking to bring the former NSA to the court upon arrival.
The judge also said if the surety fails to produce the applicant, he would take Dasuki’s position and be remanded in prison.
Former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Joseph Daudu, who is the counsel to Dasuki had asked the court to permit the defendant to travel abroad for a medical check up.
He said the need to travel was as a result of Dasuki’s already deteriorating health. He said Dasuki already had an appointment with his doctors abroad and that there is also a written address in support of the motion.
Daudu also opposed the motion that the treatment for Dasuki’s ailment is available in Nigeria.
The case was adjourned to November 26 and 27 for continuation of the trial. One of Dasuki’s counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), told journalists that his team is satisfied with the ruling.