Saraki’s CCT trial shifted again over motion to dismiss

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has fixed March 24 to rule on a motion to quash the false assets declaration charges against the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

Saraki had stormed the tribunal on Friday with 80 lawyers in tow, and about 18 Senators, a reduction from the 30 that escorted him there at the last hearing.

Among those that followed him were: Abdullahi Sabi, senate spokesman; Sam Anyanwu, Stella Oduah, Ben Murray-Bruce, Tayo Alasoadura and Andy Uba.

Justice Danladi Umar fixed the date for ruling after taking arguments from both sides.

Prosecuting lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs told the Tribunal he has been served with defendants motion dated 4 March, 2015, but argued that going by sections 220, 221 and 396 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the motion cannot be moved before beginning of hearing of the substantive case.

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“The only thing the court can do now is to proceed to trial. I want Your Lordship to determine the issue now,” Jacobs said.

He further explained that the of ACJA stipulated that technical objections cannot be raised during trial.

But Saraki’s lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), argued that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to entertain the charges, on among other grounds, that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice lacked the powers to file charges before the tribunal.

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