The trial of the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over false declaration of assets began Tuesday after efforts to force an adjournment by his lawyers failed.
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.
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 2015.
The prosecution, led by Rotimi Jacobs, thereafter called its first witness, Michael Wetkast, for cross-examination.
Wetkas told the CCT that N4 billion was traced to one of Saraki’s account with Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.
He said part of the money came in as loan.
the beginning of the end…next!