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COURT REJECTS SEVEN EFCC STATEMENTS IN DASUKI’S ₦33.2 BILLION ARMS FRAUD TRIAL


Ruling highlights the importance of admissible evidence and strict compliance with criminal justice procedures.

Reported by Michael Ochili
24 October 2026 | Legal Diary News

The Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has reportedly rejected seven extrajudicial statements tendered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing ₦33.2 billion arms procurement fraud trial involving former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd.).

The ruling represents a significant development in the proceedings, drawing attention to the legal requirements governing the admissibility of evidence in criminal trials.

The prosecution had sought to rely on the statements as part of its evidence in support of the allegations concerning the alleged diversion of public funds earmarked for arms procurement.

However, the court declined to admit the seven statements, underscoring the importance of compliance with applicable evidential rules and criminal justice procedures.

Under the Nigerian legal system, the admissibility of confessional and other extrajudicial statements is governed by the Evidence Act and relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

Statements obtained through improper procedures or in circumstances that violate applicable legal safeguards may be excluded from evidence.

The development reinforces the principle that criminal prosecutions must be conducted in strict compliance with due process, irrespective of the seriousness of the allegations or the status of the defendants.

Importantly, the rejection of the statements does not automatically terminate the prosecution or amount to an acquittal, as the case may proceed on other legally admissible evidence.

The ruling further highlights the responsibility of investigative and prosecuting agencies to ensure that evidence is lawfully obtained, properly documented and presented in accordance with established legal standards.

LEGAL SIGNIFICANCE

The decision serves as a reminder that the fight against corruption must remain consistent with constitutional safeguards, the presumption of innocence and the fundamental right to fair hearing guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

It also underscores the judiciary's responsibility to ensure that the administration of criminal justice is guided by law rather than public sentiment.

LEGAL DIARY NEWS
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