Saraki loses bid to halt CCT trial

The appeal court on Thursday dismissed Senate President Bukola Saraki’s appeal challenging his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

The panel led by Abdul Aboki, a justice, dismissed the appeal and held that the appellant’s submission was laced with sentiments.

Aboki held that the CCT trial was instituted according to due processes and the country’s constitution.

“The charge against the appellant is according to due process and whether it is in the interest of the public, the appellant’s submission is held with sentiments,” he held.

“It will be a circumvention of justice if the court is carried away by sentiments.

“The appeal is unmeritorious, appellant’s appeal is therefore dismissed and judgement of the CCT judge Danladi Umar of March 28 is upheld and affirmed.”

He maintained that the appellant is innocent until proven guilty.

He said the provision of section 3 (d) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act in respect of waiver of reference on admission is not recognised under the constitution.

“[section 3 (d) cannot be considered with the 1st and 5th schedule of the 1999 constitution,” he said.

Saraki is standing trial for alleged false declaration of assets.