Tribunal Adjourns Saraki’s Trial to Next Year

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja
The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) yesterday adjourned the trial of Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, for two months.

The tribunal chairman, Danladi Umar,  fixed January 11 for the continuation of the asset declaration trial after the defence concluded its cross-examination of the prosecution witness, Michael Wetkas.
Wetkas, an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), made his 14th appearance at the tribunal yesterday.

The charges against Saraki read: “That you on or about September 16, 2013 within the jurisdiction of this tribunal did make a false declaration in the asset declaration form for public officers which you filled and submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) upon assumption of office as the governor of Kwara State in the year 2003 by your failure to declare your leasehold interest in number 42, Remi Fani-Kayode Street Ikeja, Lagos which you acquired through your company, Skyview Properties Limited from First Finance Trust Limited on December 12, 1996 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(1)(2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. CAP. C15, laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 11(1)(2),I on the  fifth schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and punishable under section 23(2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act as incorporated under paragraph 18, Part I of the fifth schedule to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“That you, between June 2011 and October 2013, within the jurisdiction of this sstribunal, did receive monthly salaries or emoluments as governor of Kwara State and at the same time, from the federal government as a senator and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 6(a) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. CAP. C15, laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 2(a), Part I of the, fifth schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and punishable under section 23(2) of the CCB and tribunal act as incorporated under paragraph 18, Part I of the fifth schedule of the 1999 Constitution.”
The senate president denied any wrong doing.
He has diligently attended the trial.