There was drama at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) yesterday when Senate President Bukola Saraki refused to move into the dock when his case was called.

The dock is where those standing trial stay during proceedings.

Saraki’s refusal to leave his seat for the dock led to an argument between his lead counsel, Mahmud Magaji (SAN), and the prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN).

Objecting to Saraki’s action, Jacobs said it was the practice for an accused “irrespective” of his status to enter the dock during his trial.

According to him, once an accused person’s plea is taken, he/she must always sit in the dock during proceedings.



“Things must be done properly. The proper thing is for him to go to the dock,” Jacobs said.

Magaji said there was no need for Saraki to enter the dock, citing Section 22(m) of the Evidence Act to buttress his submission.

But, tribunal Chairman Justice Danladi Umar overruled him, directing him to prevail on Saraki to do the right thing.

Shortly after Saraki moved into the dock, Jacobs sought an adjournment to enable the tribunal await the Court of Appeal’s judgment in the defendant’s appeal.  The appeal court on Monday adjourned the verdict sine die (indefinitely).

Jacobs also acknowledged receipt of a fresh motion for stay of proceedings filed by Saraki’s legal team.

He said although the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 frowns at a stay of proceedings in criminal cases, there was the need to await the appellate court’s verdict because it touches on the tribunal’s jurisdiction to further preside over the case.

A stay at this moment, he said, was reasonable in order to preserve the integrity of the court and of the legal profession.

Responding, Magaji, who had suggested an indefinite adjournment, said he would agree to the two-week adjournment suggested by Jacobs if the business of the court on the next date would be for parties to report the appeal court’s decision.

Magaji said it was necessary for him to remind the tribunal that his client’s trial was affecting his job as Senate President.

Jacobs objected to Magaji’s claim, saying the statement was intended to intimidate the tribunal.

“This is an intimidation of the tribunal. The defendant is a defendant. What is the essence of the rule of law?

He (Magaji) is saying that because the defendant is the Senate President.

“Are you saying he should not be treated like every other defendant, when the rule of law says even the king is subject to the law?” Jacobs said.

Ruling, Justice Umar said the tribunal would await the Court of Appeal’s judgment. He adjourned to November 5 for report of the appellate court’s decision and possibly, hearing of pending applications.

The tribunal, he said, would tarry a while in deference to the appellate court.

Saraki arrived at the tribunal around 9. 54 am, accompanied by some senators. The case was called at 10:45 am.

On September 22, Saraki pleaded not guilty to a 13-count charge of false asset declaration brought against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

He is querying the tribunal’s jurisdiction to try him at the appeal court.

Saraki is contending that the charge is defective, because it was not filed by a substantive Attorney General of the Federation and that the tribunal is not validly constituted because only two out of its constitutionally stipulated three members are currently sitting.

On October 8, the Justice MooreAdumein-led three-man panel of the Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja granted accelerated hearing in Saraki’s appeal and promised to give judgment before his next appearance at the tribunal yesterday.





http://thenationonlineng.net/tribunal-drama-as-lawyer-begs-saraki-to-enter-dock/

Why is this Saraki scared of the DOCK like this. Does he want to play politics with the dock also in the court of law. He would have appealed at the court of appeal for a ruling that will allow him be in his succulent bedroom or swimming pool sipping zobo any time his case is going on at the CCT.
NONSENSE PEOPLE. YEYE DEY SMELL BIG TIME.

.

Saraki is going no where.

Shit! Dat guy thinks dat he's above d law... .

Lolzzzzz.....na wa ooo....anyway.....pishures

Oh really?

Na wa! Nothing wey person no go see

---

#My#Opinion

Makers of law breaking the law. The country stil have a long way to go.

Why would a defendant not want to get inside the dock?

There were no cameras as journalist were not allowed into the venue from what we learnt! I want to assume he was not afraid of being pictured in the dock and posted on front pages of the dailies again!

At first I was happy Saraki was in the CCT trap but now, I kinda feel for the dude!

He must be going through a lot.

Am sure he would have prefered the administration where STEALING was no CORRUPTION!

serious drama

Is he scared


Meanwhile today is my bday,plz show some love pals.

He no serious,why he steal our money in the first place

Saraki is too arrogant , even in the face of the law.
I like the way justice umar insisted that saraki must kiss the dock yesterday. He even made sure that saraki's counsel did not get the indefinate adjournment he asked for. What a brave judge.

According to him, once an accused person’s plea is taken, he/she must always sit in the dock during proceedings.

That has been my position... Saraki lawyers should have known we were no longer under the Useless Govt of Jonathan where "anything Goes".

Good to hear.

I hope the CCT continue in that same pattern. Make all the politicians who come before it pass through due process.

;DSaraki are u above the law never with all due respect we are all bound by the law so respect yourself next time.

Yeye

Stubborn man. Lol

hmm

Y will dey ask him to entr dock?...is he Igbo

Hmmm ....

Saraki wan claim big boy. e for hear ween if he no enter that dock.

Only in 9ja

Brb

SeverusSnape:
Saraki is going no where.

Think of your children. Do you want them to go nowhere in life?

The money and the resources stolen by Saraki for his family's use deprives the people of Kwara a decent human life.

Think above your hatred of Buhari. The consequences of letting this criminal off the hook is beyond our comprehension.

Saraki has seen that his first Lawyer, Hassan(SAN), na olodo that can't defend him very well, so he reshuffled him with this other SAN that is headstrong. Hehehehehe!
But this FG Counsel, Jacobs(SAN), mean Saraki ooo! If he later go enter Saraki trap in the nearest future, baba go do am strong thing oo.

Begging??