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CCT: Saraki’s application lacks merit, Umar rules

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The Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, has dismissed the application brought by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, asking the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar to withdraw from handling his false declaration of asset case.

Umar, in dismissing the application, said it lacks absolute merit, therefore dismissing it in its entirety.

Saraki is facing a 13 count charge bordering on false asset declaration which he allegedly made between 2003 and 2011‎ when he served as Kwara State Governor.

The application filed on behalf of the Senate President by one of his counsels, Ajibola Oluyede, Saraki, asked Umar to disqualify himself on the grounds of likelihood of bias in the handling of the trial by Umar.

Oluyede also argued that Umar would likely be subject to the control of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on the basis that the anti-graft agency brought Saraki before the CCT for prosecution while it (EFCC) was still investigating the tribunal chairman for bribery.

Read also: More troubles for Diezani as EFCC uncovers N23bn INEC bribe deal

Umar, in his ruling, also upheld the opposition of the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), to the motion, to the effect that contrary to Oluyede’s claim, the EFCC had cleared him of the bribery allegation, adding that the EFCC was not answerable to the AGF in its investigation and prosecution of cases.

“The AGF cannot prosecute without sufficient evidence from investigative agencies,” Umar said.

The CCT chairman also said the incumbent AGF, Mr. Abubakar Malami, had said he (Umar) had been cleared while appearing before a House of Representatives’ committee which was petitioned with respect to the bribery allegation.

According to Umar, Malami told the committee that he (the AGF) stood by the March 5, 2015‎ letter of EFCC to Adoke, indicating that there was no sufficient evidence to prosecute him (Umar).

“The issue of having case to answer before the EFCC is over.

“The application lacks absolute merit and it is hereby dismissed in its entirety”, Umar ruled.

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