Saraki's Lawyers Withdraw From Trial

The lawyers of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, have withdrawn from the corruption trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. 

Reports have it that the lawyers left the tribunal on Thursday after the special court refused to suspend the trial to allow the Supreme Court rule on the matter. 

It would be recalled that the Senate President is facing a 13-count charge bordering on alleged corruption and false declaration of assets.

 The legal team of Saraki on Thursday maintained that the case has to stand down for the Supreme Court to take a decision.

 Meanwhile, when it became obvious that the chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Umar Danladi, has made up his mind to proceed with the case, two of Saraki's counsels, Ahmed Magaji and Ahmed Raji.

The lawyers, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria, described the decision of Mr. Umar as “judicial rascality” never seen in their years of legal practice.

 “It is a strange situation; it is not done anywhere that a matter is pending before a higher court, as the one in the Supreme Court and proceedings will continue in a smaller court,” Mr. Magaji said.

While Mr. Magaji left without a direct request for permission to withdraw his appearance, Mr. Raji requested to be allowed to stand down, saying he would not allow himself to be forced into making any explanations at the Supreme Court, because of his involvement in the court’s decision to continue sitting.

 The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacob, had earlier argued that based on Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the application for stay of proceedings, could not be entertained.

Mr. Raji argued that the Section 36 referred to an application for stay of proceeding before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, not the Supreme Court in this matter.

The chairman of the tribunal, Mr. Danladi, ruled that the hearing continue after an hour recess.

When the tribunal resumed, Mr. Danladi ruled that the proceedings should continue.

After recess, while the prosecution counsel moved to usher in his witness, the defence counsels, Messrs Magaji and Raji, vacated the court.

Mr. Saraki, who had then been ushered into the dock, was asked if he would continue proceedings without his lawyers or request more time to help him get lawyers.

However, his request for a month to put himself together and possibly get a new lawyer was not granted, as the prosecution argued that the time was too long.

The prosecution counsel, therefore requested 11 days.

The matter was then adjourned till Thursday, November 19.