Saraki’s trial delayed over absence of witness

The trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has been delayed owing to the absence of a principal witness.

The principal witness is‎ Michael Wetkas, a detective of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who is still undergoing  cross-examination by Saraki’s lawyer.

Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), lead counsel of the prosecution team,‎ in the trial of Saraki  was absent initially, but sauntered into the courtroom just as the defence team led by Kanu Agabi was announcing its appearance.

Danladi Umar, chairman of the tribunal, had earlier stood down the trial for two hours at the instance of Agabi.

But after the counsel had announced their appearance, Umar stood down the trial again for an hour to await arrival of the witness.

Saraki presided over the senate briefly before handing over to Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president, to enable him appear at the CCT.