Absence of EFCC lead
Counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) has forced the Code of Conduct Tribunal to stand
down the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki till 12:30 p.m.
Saraki was arraigned by
the Federal Government on 16-count allegations of false asset declaration and
money laundering, which he had pleaded not guilty.
The Chairman of the
tribunal, Mr Danladi Umar, on Wednesday said in view of the development and by
consent of parties in the matter ``the trial is hereby stand down till
12:30pm’’.
The prosecuting counsel,
Mr H.O.B Ejiga, told the tribunal that his principal was at the Federal High
Court handling another matter.
Ejiga, therefore, urged
the tribunal to stand down the matter for an hour to enable his principal
attend to the proceedings in the interest of Justice.
In his response, Counsel
to Saraki, Mr Paul Usoroh (SAN), said he had no objection to the request of the
prosecution.
Usoroh said that they
have already discussed the issue before the proceedings commence.
The News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tribunal is expected to continue with the
cross-examination of EFCC witness, Mr Michael Wetkas.
