by Dolapo Adelana

A retired colonel and social critic, Abubakar Umar, has said a former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) remained in detention because he “belongs to the wrong camp”.

Umar, who made the disclosure in a statement on Sunday urged the Federal Government to release Dasuki who has been in detention since November 2015.

“The only explanation one can find for Col. Dasuki’s lengthy detention without trial is that he belongs to the wrong camp. He has also the misfortune of having served as national security adviser to the much vilified Nigerian President of Ijaw extraction,” the statement read.

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“Colonel Dasuki’s fate is tied to that of his former principal President Goodluck Jonathan – an honourable and patriotic Nigerian who conceded defeat and congratulated the winner of the 2015 Presidential election Gen. Muhammadu Buhari even before INEC declared the final results, when he could have held on tenaciously to power as is the norm in many Third World Countries.”

Umar, a former military administrator of Kaduna state commended the suspension of Babachir Lawal, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) and Ayodele Oke, director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

“The decision by the Federal Government of Nigeria to suspend the SGF Mr David Babachir Lawal and the DG NIA Mr Ayodele Oke while they are being investigated is a welcome development in its war against corruption. It is also remarkable and commendable that the Govt. has decided not to detain the duo while they are being investigated,” said Umar.

“This is a welcome departure from the prevailing anti-democratic process by which accused persons, particularly from the opposition camp, are unlawfully detained pending the commencement of investigations, or refused bail granted by law courts.

“There is national unanimity in support of the war against corruption which is expected to be non-discriminatory and waged by a meticulous adherence to the rule of law. For the war to be meaningful and sustainable, it must be elevated beyond a President Buhari personal struggle to a national one.”

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He added, “Our extant constitution is quite clear on this issue. The federal government does not have the power to determine which offence is bailable or whether an accused person is deserving of bail. It should, therefore, obey courts’ decisions and release Col. Dasuki without any further delay. His unlawful detention, campaign of calumny and pretrial publicity make it impossible for him to receive a fair trial,” he said.

Oludolapo Adelana

Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.