Ex-NSA Dasuki Makes Surprise Appearance At SAN Induction, Jokes About ‘Ambush’ Role
In a rare public appearance, former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (Rtd), surprised guests at a ceremony honoring Barrister Yunus Abdulsalam, one of the youngest Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN). The event, held to celebrate Abdulsalam’s recent induction, saw Dasuki unexpectedly appointed as Chairman of the Occasion, a move that took both him and the audience by surprise.
Known for his reserved demeanor at public events, Dasuki took the impromptu role in stride, delivering a brief but memorable speech. Joking about the surprise assignment, he quipped, “I thought ambushes were common in military operations. I never expected to be ambushed by lawyers at an event celebrating a distinguished legal mind like Barrister Yunus Abdulsalam.”
Despite his admitted discomfort with public speaking, Dasuki praised Abdulsalam’s contributions to the legal profession, describing him as a passionate advocate for justice. “Barrister Yunus has shown great dedication in his fight against injustice and in protecting the rights of citizens through his impactful litigation,” Dasuki remarked before making an early exit from the event.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in Abdulsalam’s career, as the 36-year-old legal practitioner was inducted as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, one of the youngest in the nation’s history. Born on June 30, 1988, Abdulsalam is the Founder and Principal of Yunus Abdulsalam & Co, a law firm with expertise in areas such as litigation, mediation, corporate finance, maritime law, and telecommunications.
Abdulsalam’s legal journey began at Bayero University, Kano, where he graduated in 2010, followed by his call to the Nigerian Bar in 2011. He also holds an executive certificate in employment law from Lincoln University, UK. Currently, he serves as Legal Adviser to the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA) and the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), in addition to his role as Secretary to the Board of Image Merchants Promotion Ltd, publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential.
The event attracted a range of prominent figures, including the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and Professor Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, President of the MAAUN Group of Universities, who both sent goodwill messages to Abdulsalam. The Emir praised his intelligence, patriotism, and commitment to the legal profession, while Professor Gwarzo commended Abdulsalam’s integrity and high standards of practice, expressing confidence in his continued contributions to legal reforms in Nigeria.
Also in attendance were political and judicial luminaries, including Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Dr. Yusuf Lawal, and notable Senior Advocates of Nigeria such as Bar A.U. Mustapha SAN and Bar Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN. Representatives from the business community, including seasoned entrepreneurs and bankers like Hameed Jodah, Managing Director of Taj Bank, and Alhaji Lukman Mustapha, former Executive Director at the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, further graced the occasion.
The event was a celebration of Abdulsalam’s achievements, with attendees praising his legal expertise and commitment to justice, marking him as a rising star in Nigeria’s legal landscape.
