Tribunal adjourns Saraki’s trial to November 5

The trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for alleged false asset declaration has been adjourned to November 5 and 6.

The adjournment followed the pending judgment of the appeal court‎ on the trial of the senate president.

Rotimi Jacobs, prosecuting counsel‎, had prayed the tribunal to adjourn the trial out of respect for the appeal court, which reserved judgment on the suit filed by Saraki to stop his trial for alleged false declaration of assets.

‎However, Mahmud Magaji, Saraki’s lawyer, argued that the trial should be adjourned sine die.

But Danladi Umar, chairman of the CCT, objected, saying the defendant might “go and relax”. He therefore gave a two-week time-off, ruling that trial would continue on November 5 and 6.

Also, Saraki was ordered to take his seat in the accused box after Mahmud Magaji, his counsel, failed to stop the action.

Magaji had made an application that the trial be halted on the grounds that there was a pending suit at the appeal court, which is yet to deliver judgment on the matter.

‎But Jacobs countered his argument, stating that Saraki must take his seat in the accused box before any application could be made.

The chairman, thereafter ruled that Saraki should step into the accused box.