At the ongoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, in Abuja, Senate President, Dr. Olubukola Saraki, initially refused to mount the dock, after his name was announced.
Justice Danladi Umar, called up Saraki’s case and he refused to stand up, after which the tribunal chairman, demanded that he should leave his seat and enter inside the dock.
Saraki, however, refused to budge,
Justice Umar, then continued: “Where is the prosecution, is the accused person here?”
The prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, responded: “Mr lord I cannot see him. I think the first thing is for him to enter the dock first, then we will announce our appearances. After which the charge will be read to him”.
Saraki’s lawyer, J.B. Daudu, retorted: “With profound respect to the chairman and member of this tribunal, I agree with my learned brother that we should enter appearances first. The order of this tribunal was that the accused should be produced today. It was not for his to enter his plea. The case was earlier adjourned for mention.”
In response to the back and forth, Justice Umar stated that Saraki’s case is criminal and the tribunal has the capacity to try criminal matters.
Hence, Saraki mounted the dock
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