The Supreme Court has dismissed the trial of Nigeria’s Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on assets declaration charges.
The trial of Senator Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) had lingered for many months with court injunctions filed by Saraki’s lawyers that he should not be tried.
The former Kwara governor’s lawyers also accused Chairman of the Tribunal, Mr. Danladi Umar, of lacking the integrity and credibility to try Saraki.
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In March, Umar said the CCT would adjourn the trial of Saraki and await the decision of the Supreme Court on the appeals filed by both Saraki and the Federal Government.
Saraki is being tried on three of the 18 count-charge for false declaration of assets.
Umar gave the ruling after listening to the addresses of both the defence and prosecuting lawyers.
In his address, the prosecuting counsel Mr Rotimi Jacobs urged the Tribunal to proceed with taking the final address from the parties in the suit.
He based his request on the fact that the defence had already opened and closed their case and the Tribunal had adjourned for the adoption of final addresses.
However, Counsel to the Senate President Mr Kanu Agabi urged the Tribunal to be mindful of the dignity of the Supreme Court and prayed for an indefinite adjournment.
Agreeing with the defence counsel, the CCT chairman held that the Tribunal “has decided to tarry awhile so that the integrity of Supreme Court would not be played with.”
“The Tribunal will adjourn this matter sine die pending the outcome of the appeals at the Supreme Court,” he added.
