Saraki Granted Bail on Self Recognition, Tribunal Adjourns to 21st October

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, adjourned sitting over allegations of false declaration of assets leveled against Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to 21st, 22nd and 23rd of October 2015. The tribunal granted him bail on self-recognition.

The day’s proceedings started with an argument on where Saraki was to stay in taking his plea on the 13-count charge levelled against him. 

The prosecution team, led by Rotimi Jacobs insisted that the rule of law must prevail, by Saraki taking his plea from the dock.

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However, counsel to the Senate President, Joseph Daudu countered that the administration of the criminal justice system does not apply at the tribunal, hence Saraki should take his plea from wherever he was already seated at the tribunal.

The prosecution prevailed with Saraki taking a seat at the dock, after which his charges was read to him by the Court Clerk, all of which he pleaded not guilty to. He was thereafter granted bail on self-recognition.

Recall that Dr Saraki had given the assurance of his appearance after arguments between his lawyers and the prosecution counsel, over the jurisdiction of the Code of Conduct Tribunal sitting over the allegations levelled against him.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, had attributed Saraki’s absence from the tribunal to the legal advice he received from his counsel, that it is not necessary for him to appear before the tribunal at this stage.

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