CCT Adjourns Saraki’s Trial Till March 18, As Counsel Files Fresh Motion

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Friday, March 11th, 2016

By Ganiyu Nasirudeen

The trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki over false declaration of assets at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has been adjourned till Friday, March 18, 2016.

The hearing which had suffered setback due to counter suit filed by Saraki at the Supreme court was originally scheduled to commence last Friday, March 5, 2016, but was halted, due to Saraki’s leading Counsel, Mr. Kanu Agabi (SAN)‎, who informed the CCT Chairman, Justice Danladi Umar that he had filed a motion which he prayed that it must be heard before the trial proper commences.

In contrast, Federal Government Prosecution Counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), countered the motion, saying the move was a deliberate attempt to frustrate the trial .

Mr. Jacobs argued that Saraki has maintained that there was no case against him, alleging that he was being persecuted, asking why attempting to stall the trial if he truly realized his ordeal is persecution and allow the public to so adjudge.

The Prosecutor argued further that he has not been served with the motion, insisting that given the judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on February 5, 2016, which validated the trial, the prosecution was supposed to proceed without hiccup.

Mr. Jacobs cited section 396 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, arguing that if the defendant’s motion was to be heard, the ruling could be simultaneously delivered along with the judgment in the real suit.

‎Saraki’s Counsel however apologized for the erroneous service of his motion on the Federal Ministry of Justice instead of the prosecution. He added that since his motion was opposing the jurisdiction of the tribunal, it must be heard before commencing the substantive case.

Again, Saraki who was again docked at the trial today included, was accompanied by his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, Dino Melaye, Stella Oduah, Danjuma Goje, Tayo Alasoadura, Ben Bruce, Samuel Anyanwu, Shehu Sani, Hope Uzodima and others.