ABUJA – The trial
of the Senate President, Dr. Olubukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct
Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja,commenced on a dramatic note this
morning, with the accused person, refusing to mount the dock.
The trial tribunal, headed by Justice Danladi Umar, called up Saraki’s case at exactly 10:32am.
Following Saraki’s refusal to stand up as
his case was mentioned, the tribunal Chairman, Justice Umar, demanded
that he should leave his seat and enter inside the dock.
The Senate President who is currently
sandwiched by his colleagues and friends inside the court, called the
bluff of the tribunal by retaining his seat.
“Where is the prosecution, is the accused
person here?”, Justice Umar who was looking directly at Saraki from his
vantage post, queried.
“Mr lord I cannot see him. I think the
first thing is for him to enter the dock first, then we will
announce
our appearances. After which the charge will be read to him”, the
prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs submitted.
“With profound respect to the chairman
and member of this tribunal, I agree with my learned brother that we
should enter appearances first. The order of this tribunal was that the
accused should be produced today. It was not for his to enter his plea.
The case was earlier adjourned for mention”, counsel to Saraki, Mr. J.B.
Daudu, insisted.
Daudu vehemently opposed the idea of
Saraki entering the dock, relying on an Appeal Court decided case law in
Igbeke vs FRN, 2015, 3 NWLR.
At the moment, the tribunal is
entertaining arguments on whether of not Saraki should be compelled to
enter the dock to answer to the 13-count criminal charge that was
preferred against him by the federal government.
More details soon...
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