“Saraki’s Trial Will Now Hold Daily” ~ Declares Justice Umar of The Code of Conduct

 

by Tahir Sherriff, ABUJA – A day to day hearing till the conclusion of the Saraki trial has been ordered by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT.

Justice Danladi Umar made the order shortly before he stood down the matter for hearing by 12noon today, and based the decision on the provisions of sections 376 and 315 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015.

The hearing on the 13 count criminal charge against Senate President Bukola Saraki was resumed today at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

“Let me state it here for both the prosecution and the defence that the trial of the defendant shall proceed on a day-to-day basis till the conclusion of this matter and it will begin from 10am to 6pm”, Justice Umar held. A break period was added between the hours of 1pm and 4pm daily.

Danladi Umar currently heading the tribunal, made legal history in Nigeria by becoming the first judge in the country to issue an arrest warrant against a sitting senate president. Some Nigerians however see the developing events as rigged with political upheavals.

The trial has been charged by political punditry, given that the Code Of Conduct Tribunal, as an institution, is directly under the presidency.

Usman Muhammad, 36, a protester against the prosecution of Senate Bukola Saraki stated that he was and other supporters do not support the Senators persecution as it would spell doom for the country.

“I am in support of Saraki. I support him for many reasons including that he represents the North Central. We are here for a peaceful protest. Saraki demonstrates a sense of belonging and maturity. No Senator has been through all this. I believe the approach has to be changed for the interest of Nigeria.”

Evidence sourced by the EFCC are being presented by its investigators during the trial. Forty-three (43) documents, inclusive of bank statements and contractual agreements have been presented during the course of the trial.