Embattled Senate President, Bukola Saraki has again failed in a bid to escape his trial with the court dismissing his application to discontinue his trial with the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Saraki is on trial for false declaration of assets and fraud before the CCT. He had approached the court, asking it to put an end to his trial at the Tribunal, describing the trial as a breach of his fundamental human rights enshrined in Section Four of the 1999 constitution and an obstruction to his duties at the National Assembly.
But the court denied his plea ruling through Abdul Kafarati that the CCT being a constitutional body was free to carry out its duties and could not be interfered with by the court.
“I find that none of the claims fall within chapter four of the constitution”
“This court cannot interfere with the proceedings before the tribunal; it cannot also interfere with the duties of the respondents which have been imposed on them by law,” said Mr. Kafarati
Mr. Kafarati also held that the applicant’s claims that the CCT’s trial falls short of the constitutional requirements is “a sentimental claim that has no basis in law.”
“There are Criminal procedure laws that put in place the method of protecting the accused”, the judge added noting that the trial cannot be regarded as an infringement of Mr. Saraki’s right.”
“If the court grants the application, there will be conflict with the ruling of the appellate Court
“I do not see the need to go to the merit of the case,” the judge ruled.