Supreme Court suspends Saraki’s trial at CCT

The Supreme Court this morning halted further proceedings in the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal pending the determination of the appeal filed before the court.

The trial began 22 September and was last heard 5 November.

The Senate president’s appeal had on 30 October been dismissed at the Court of Appeal, in a split decision of 2-1 by the judges.

Justice Moore Agumanen, who read the majority verdict upheld the trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The judges said the tribunal was properly constituted and that the tribunal led by Danladi Umar could sit with the chairman and one other member.

Agumanen said they relied on section 28 of the Interpretation Act to reach the decision.

He said the Code of Conduct Tribunal and Code of Conduct Bureau Act and the constitution did not talk about a quorum.

In a further blow to the Senate President, the majority judges said the CCT has criminal jurisdiction, though limited.

The judges also ruled that the Code of Conduct Tribunal has powers to issue a bench warrant.

The dissenting third judge, Justice Joseph Ekanem however ruled that Saraki’s appeal had merit.

Share on Google Plus

About Unknown

Deji Sadiq, a.k.a DEJI OF LAGOS is a LASU trained Economist turned freelance journalist, a Blogger, an information strategist, a public affairs analyst and a committed activist with a passion for equal opportunities.