The trial of the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, over alleged false declaration of assets has finally begun Tuesday after efforts to force an adjournment by his lawyers failed.
First prosecution witness, Michael Wetkast, is currently being cross-examined by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs.
Commencement of trial was preceded by arguments by defence counsel, Paul Usoro, who informed the tribunal of an application for stay of proceedings at the Court of Appeal challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal to entertain the matter.
The chairman of the tribunal, Danladi Umar, ruled that the application before the Court of Appeal cannot stop the commencement of trial based on the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Details later…