CCT suspends Saraki’s trial in compliance with S’Court order

The trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has been put on hold in line with the order of the Supreme Court.

On November 12, a five-man panel of the apex court led by John Fabiyi, ordered Danladi Umar, chairman of the tribunal, to halt the pending the determination of an appeal filed by Saraki.

However, before the verdict of the Supreme Court, the CCT had adjourned Saraki’s trial to November 23.

Announcing the suspension on Monday, Ibraheem Alhassan, the tribunal’s public relations officer, said the decision was to show “due respect” to the highest court in the country.

“The case was slated for hearing on November 23, but as a mark of respect for the apex court, the tribunal decided to tarry a while pending the determination of Saraki’s appeal challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal to try him,” he said.

Saraki is facing a13-count charge of alleged corruption and false declaration of assets.

He has denied the charge and pleaded not guilty.