The Code of Conduct Tribunal in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki for alleged false assets declaration to November 5 and 6, 2015.
The adjournment which followed an application by the lead prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), was to enable the tribunal to await the judgment of the Court of Appeal on an appeal by Saraki challenging the validity of the charges preferred against him.
The Court of Appeal’s judgment earlier fixed for Monday but was not delivered because it was not ready and no new date has been fixed for it. The Justice Danladi Umar-led tribunal acceded to the application by Jacob who said the adjournment was necessary to preserve the integrity of the Court of Appeal.
Saraki’s lawyer, Mahmud Magaji (SAN), did not oppose the application for adjourned but requested that the tribunal adjourn indefinitely as the Court of Appeal did.
Justice Umar in his ruling adjourned till November 5 and 6 for report on the judgment of Court of Appeal and ruling. But the trial may as well be terminated if the Court of Appeal rules in favour of Saraki in its pending judgment.
Saraki attended the Wednesday’s proceedings in company of about 30 senators including, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Theodor Orji, Dino Melaye and Ali Ndume. He had pleaded not guilty to the 13 counts of false asset declaration preferred against him.
