CCT trial: FG tenders Saraki’s EFCC statement in evidence

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri
ABUJA—The Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja,yesterday, admitted into evidence, a statement the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, made before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in relation to corruption allegations against him.

Senate President Bukola Saraki

The Federal Government tendered the statement dated August 13, 2013, before the Justice Danladi Umar-led two-man panel tribunal where Saraki is being prosecuted on an 18-count charge.
At the resumed sitting on the matter, yesterday, prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, tendered Saraki’s statement through an EFCC detective, Mr. Alvan Gurummaal.
Meanwhile, shortly after the statement was admitted into evidence, Mr. Jacobs, SAN, notified the tribunal of his inability to produce his last witness, even as he applied for an adjournment.
Jacobs told the tribunal that the  remaining witness, who is Saraki’s account officer, informed him that he would be undergoing a surgery and would, therefore, not be able to appear to testify in the matter as originally scheduled.
Consequent upon the prosecution’s request, Justice Umar adjourned further hearing on the case till  May 4.