CCT Chairman Announces Saraki Assets Declaration’s Trial ‘ll Hold Daily

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Monday, April 18th, 2016

By Ganiyu Nasirudeen

Senate President, Bukola Saraki’s ongoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) is most likely to be given a speedy hearing from now, as the Court’s Chairman, Justice Danladi Umar announced Monday that hearing on the allegation against the defendant henceforth, will be held daily.

Justice Umar announced that the Court’s decision after being told of request by the Prosecution Counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs’s (SAN) representative, Mr. Gabriel Esegine that he (Chairman) should stand down the proceeding for one hour, for him to make a brief appearance in another Court of Appeal, in Abuja.

Similarly, Counsel to the defendant, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), supported the request by Mr. Jacobs, a situation which forced the Chairman to grant the prayer.

Specifically, Justice Umar announced that the hearing will last between10am and end 6pm daily.

The CCT’s Chairman stressed that the Tribunal’s resolve was in line with the provisions of section 396(6) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

In addition to the announcement, Justice Umar, warned that the court would no longer wait for any party in the hearing, restating that by virtue of the Administration of Criminal Justice, the criminal trial of a defendant after arraignment shall proceed every day.

He added that the Court would accommodate those who wish and give of about 15 minutes for those who want to pray, adding that, by 4pm, the court shall give another 15 minutes break for parties to relax.

Senator Saraki is standing trial on a 10 count charge, among which is false assets declaration, when he was the Governor of Kwara State.