Saraki’s corruption trial resumes at Code of Conduct Tribunal — LIVE UPDATES

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, will Wednesday return to the Code of Conduct Tribunal, where he is facing a 13-count charge bordering on corruption and false declaration of assets.

He was arraigned September 18, but he pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail.

In the charges, Mr. Saraki was accused of breaching the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Cap C15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The Tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar, had on September 18 adjourned the case to October 21, 22 and 23 for further hearing.

PREMIUM TIMES’ Evelyn Okakwu is already at the Court and would be providing live updates of the proceedings.

10:00: Saraki Arrives Senate President Bukola Saraki arrived at the court, accompanied by a retinue of senators.

There was commotion at the Code of Conduct Tribunal earlier as police stopped journalists from gaining access into the court room.

Later the police allowed our reporter to gain access into the court room.

10:20: There are more than 30 senators, including the deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, Abdullahi Adamu, Aliyu Wamakko, Sam Egwu, Sam Anyanwu, Dino Melaye, among others, who accompanied the senate president.

On September 22, Mr. Saraki pleaded not guilty to the 13 charges against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau.

10:30: The chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Dino Melaye, confirmed to journalists that 84 senators accompanied the senate president, Bukola Saraki, to Code of Conduct Tribunal today.

Court session beginsThe court session finally began at 10: 46 am

11:05: At the commencement of the trial, the lead prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, traced the history of the case at the court of appeal.

He lamented how the appellate court fixed October 19 for the judgment, but when they arrived on the day for the judgement, they were told it was not ready.

11:26: After the two sides presented their arguments, the tribunal let both sides pick date for resumption of the hearing.

Both sides agreed that hearing should be between November 5 and 6 in order to await the outcome of the decision of the Court of Appeal.

11:50: The tribunal has adjourned. Hearing continues on November 5 and 6.