The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division has dismissed the appeal filed by Senate President Bukola Saraki against the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Senator Saraki had approached the Appellate Court to challenge his arraignment before the Tribunal for corruption charges. All the five issues raised by Saraki were thrown out by Justice Moore Adumen, who averred that his trial was in order. Two of the three-man panel of Judges ruled that the appeal lacked merit.
By this ruling, the coast is now clear for the Code of Conduct Tribunal to continue with the trial of the Senate President.
Justice Adumen said that the Tribunal was misled into believing that the Federal High Court once ordered the stoppage of Saraki’s trial. Consequent upon the ruling, the Code of Conduct Tribunal, which had earlier suspended further hearing of the suit can now continue with the trial.
Also, the Appellate Court held that by virtue of Section 174(1) and (2), the absence of an Attorney General of the Federation does not stop the trial of Saraki.
The embattled Saraki is facing corruption charges bordering g on false declaration of asset while serving as Governor of Kwara state between 2003 and 2011.
His trial has attracted global attention with Saraki alleging a witch-hunt from vested interests because he is now the Senate President against the wishes of some people.
