The trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki was definitely a notable day. The internet was buzzing and the issue was trending.
There were many speculations as to the genesis of the drama and the question was asked: was this persecution or justice taking place?
I stumbled upon updates shared by Aishat Alubankudi and I hope this will give those who missed out on this unforgettable day the necessary information of what took place without being too serious.
Enjoy!
UPDATE 1: The Chairman of the Tribunal came into the courtroom at 10.32 a.m, and apologised for the delay in the commencement of proceeding. He said the tribunal was sorting out some matters.
UPDATE 2: Officials of the Tribunal seem desperate to stop the live coverage of this trial. Shortly before the Senate President arrived, an unnamed member of the Tribunal beckoned on TVC (television station) to stop the live coverage. For over 10 minutes, there was a power cut at the chamber.
-The light was still out when Senate President arrived.
-The light is back.
-Tribunal announced it was banning live coverage of proceedings
UPDATE 3: Argument ensues as to where Saraki should be seated
UPDATE 4: Prosecutor Rotimi Jacob states the business of the day is for the accused person to take his plea
UPDATE 5: Prosecution wants the Senate President to be seated at the dock
Mr. Saraki’s counsel, J.B. Daudu, states that the Tribunal is not a court to try criminal cases. Tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar, insists Mr. Saraki must take his plea.
UPDATE 6: [11:16] Argument still ongoing with Mr. Saraki’s lead counsel arguing according to paragraph 18, Subsection 1 of the 5th Schedule of the 1999 Constitution and that the case is not criminal in nature and that the Tribunal has no jurisdiction to hear it.
UPDATE 7: The prosecution counsel argued however that going by Section 2 of the Administration of Justice Act, 2015, the matter can be heard since the Tribunal was set up by An act of the National Assembly. The Tribunal chairman is currently analysing both points
UPDATE 8: The Tribunal ruled that the trial is criminal in nature. “I hold that the trial before the tribunal is purely criminal,” Chairman Danladi Umar said. He further ruled that the accused should go ahead to take his plea.
UPDATE 9: Saraki enters the dock. The 13-count charge of corruption against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau is being read to him.
UPDATE 10: Saraki is asked to plead either guilty or not guilty.
UPDATE 11: Saraki responds: “I believe that I am here as the Senate president, to indicate my respect for the Tribunal. I am puzzled why I am being compelled. He pleads not guilty.
Quoting Subsection 3 of the Code of Conduct Act, he states that this was not the first time arraignment like this has happened, adding that he should not have been brought before the court. He then pleaded not guilty.
UPDATE 12: Before pleading not guilty, the Senate President reiterated the provision of Paragraph 18 of the 5th Schedule of the Constitution – the point earlier argued by his counsel.
UPDATE 13: On the various assets allegedly acquired by the Senate President, which the Conduct Bureau said were beyond his legitimate earnings, the Senate President said he is not guilty. He said he acquired the assets through the selling of rice.
On Count 3, which refers to his refusal to declare assets worth N280 million acquired when he was Kwara State Governor, the Senate President said he is not guilty.
The Senate President pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The Prosecution Counsel, Rotimi Jacob, argued that based on the Paragraph 5, section 3 of the rules of the Code of Conduct Bureau, if the defendant pleads not guilty, he can state the facts that prove his guilt.
However Counsel to the Defendants then quoted Section 36(b) of the 1999 Constitution and requested that the Senate President be given time to go through the allegations properly. Mr. Saraki said he was just seeing the allegations for the first time.
The prosecution counsel contended that, based on section 39(6) of the Constitution, the hearing can be done daily. The chairman of the Tribunal gave room for the evidence to be stated. And the Counsel to Mr. Saraki attempted to object but the prosecution counsel was given the chance to state his evidence
UPDATE 14: Drama ensued when, in a bid to buttress his point, the prosecution counsel (Rotimi Jacobs) stated that the defendant made four declarations and included an asset sold to him by El-Rufai. The chamber became rowdy with laughter.
Mr. Jacobs then asked for two clear days of trial.
UPDATE 15: The chairman asked both counsels to agree on a date. And they agreed for 21st, 22nd and 23rd of October.
UPDATE 16: FINAL RULING: The matter adjourned to 21st and 23rd October for hearing
We would like to thank Aishat for permitting us to publish her updates!
What were your views on the trial? Comment below!
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