Ex-NSA Dasuki makes surprise appearance at new SAN, Abdulsalam’s reception

Former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd) made a surprise appearance at a reception in honour of newly inducted young Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Barrister Yunus Abdulsalam.

The retired Nigerian Army officer, who served as the NSA to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and is rarely seen in public, was the Chairman of the Occasion.

In a brief remark, Dasuki humorously stated that he was “ambushed” into the role. “While I don’t typically enjoy speaking at public functions, I must embrace this unexpected honor.

“I thought ambushes were a common occurrence only in military contexts and never expected to be ambushed by lawyers at this event celebrating a distinguished legal practitioner like Barr. Yunus Abdulsalam.

“He has proven to be a prolific lawyer who advocates against injustice and champions the rights of citizens through his impactful litigation. Congratulations to the celebrants and I wish you all a joyful ceremony,” he said.

With an expertise which spans litigation, mediation, arbitration, banking, corporate finance, maritime, admiralty, election matters and telecommunications, Abdulsalam’s induction as one of the youngest SANs in 2024 is a huge milestone in his illustrious career

Born on June 30, 1986, he graduated from Bayero University, Kano in 2010, the Nigerian Law School in 2011, and holds an executive certificate in employment law from Lincoln University in the United Kingdom.

Abdulsalam, the Legal Adviser to the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA) and the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), is the Board Secretary of Image Merchants Promotion Ltd, PRNigeria and Economic Confidential publishers.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, as well as Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, President of MAAUN Group of Universities, sent goodwill messages to the lawyer.

The Emir said the “intelligence, commitment and patriotism” of the Founder/Principal of Yunus Abdulsalam & Co. make the Ilorin Emirate proud and wished him “continued excellence and professional breakthroughs.”

Prof. Gwarzo commended the new SAN for exemplifying “high standards of legal practice and professional integrity”, expressing confidence in his impactful contributions to Nigeria’s justice sector reforms and the legal profession.

Dignitaries at the event included bankers, entrepreneurs, politicians and technocrats: Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Dr. Yusuf Lawal, Alhaji Abdulbaqi Jimoh, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mahe – Dan-Iyan Ilorin, Alhaji Bolakale Kawu, Prof. Kamaldeen Omopupa, Dr. Lami Ahmed, former NNPC Board Member.

Others were Alhaji Saliu Kayode Muhammad, Chairman/CEO of Inspiration Technology Ltd; Hameed Jodah, Managing Director of Taj Bank; Alhaji Tajudeen Ajibola Adeta, CEO of Global Legend; Alhaji Lukman Mustapha, ex-Executive Director, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

Notable figures from the judiciary were Justice Mohammed Mohammed, Justice Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, Barr. A. U. Mustapha (SAN), Barr. Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), Barr. Abdul Muhammad (SAN), and Barr. Mohammed Ndayako (SAN).