Bukola Saraki pleads 'not guilty' to corruption charges, granted bail

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has pleaded 'not guilty' to 13-count charges of fraud and alleged false declaration of assaults brought against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau. The ex Governor appeared at the Tribunal today with more than 30 senators and members of the House of Representatives and during the course of the prosecution, his lawyers challenged the jurisdiction of the tribunal affirming that the matter wasn't a criminal case. 

The prosecution opposed the argument adding that the trial was purely criminal. Citing section  2 of the Administration of Justice Act, 2015, he said the matter could be heard alongside any preliminary objection regarding the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

The new law was signed by former President Goodluck Jonathan in March 2015, as part of a major reform of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

The Act is expected to speed up corruption cases before the courts, by dealing with issues of preliminary objections, adjournments, and jurisdiction. The law says such objections must be addressed by the courts concurrently with the corruption charge, unlike the past when interlocutory injunctions could go to the Supreme Court and return, before the main trial begins.

Mr. Saraki pleaded guilty concerning his failure to declare his assets when he was Kwara State governor as well as his alleged use of foreign bank accounts. He also denied making false declaration of assets. “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 said

He has also been granted bail. Meanwhile, the matter has been adjourned to 21st, 22nd and 23rd October for hearing.

Source