“I hold that the trial before the tribunal is purely criminal.” This was the verdict of the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Danladi Yakubu when the trial of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki got underway today in Abuja.
This was even as Senator Saraki pleaded ‘not guilty’ to a multiple charges of fraud brought against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau. He was subsequently granted bail on self recognition.
The Senate President is facing a 13-count charge bordering on corruption and alleged false declaration of assets.
As the case opened, Saraki’s lawyers argued that the matter was not a criminal case, and challenged the jurisdiction of the tribunal.
The prosecution opposed the argument even as the tribunal ruled that the matter was criminal and directed Saraki to go ahead with his plea.
On jurisdiction, the prosecution counsel argued that according to section 2 of the Administration of Justice Act, 2015, the matter could be heard alongside any preliminary objection regarding the tribunal’s jurisdiction.
The new law was signed by former President Goodluck Jonathan in March 2015, as part of a major reform of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
The Act is expected to speed up corruption cases before the courts, by dealing with issues of preliminary objections, adjournments, and jurisdiction.
The law says such objections must be addressed by the courts concurrently with the corruption charge, unlike the past when interlocutory injunctions could go to the Supreme Court and return, before the main trial begins.
Asked to take his plea, Senator Saraki said: “I believe that I am here as the Senate president to indicate my respect for the tribunal. I am puzzled why I am being compelled.”
He pleaded not guilty.
On the various assets he acquired, which the Code of Conduct Bureau said his earnings did not qualify him to acquire, Saraki said he got them through his investment in rice farming.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge concerning his failure to declare his assets when he was Kwara State governor. He also denied making false declaration of assets.
He pleaded not guilty on the charge regarding his alleged use of foreign bank accounts while serving as a public officer in Nigeria.
The matter was adjourned to 21st, 22nd and 23rd October for hearing. [myad]
