CCT trial: Senate president’s counsel’s ill-health stalls appeal

The hearing of the appeal of the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, at the Federal Court of Appeal, Abuja on Thursdayagainst the Code of Conduct Tribunal has been stalled again.

The inability of the court to sit on the matter stemmed from a reported ill health of Saraki’s counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

The Senate president is being tried at the tribunal for alleged false and anticipatory declaration of his asset while serving as Governor of Kwara State.

The Federal Government had also alleged that the applicant violated the country’s Money Laundering law.

However, Saraki, who denied any wrongdoing, is challenging the jurisdiction of the CCT to try him.

Agabi had transmitted a letter to the presiding Judge, Justice Abdul Aboki, seeking an adjournment on account of his ill-health.

NAN further reports that the application was not opposed by the respondent’s counsel, Rotimi Jacob (SAN).

Aboki said: “In view of the letter sent to this panel from the applicant’s counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, seeking adjournment on account of ill health and since this prayer is not opposed, the court will grant it.

“The hearing of the appeal is hereby adjourned until July 18.”

NAN recalls that hearing of the appeal was stalled on May 31 as the panel could not form the mandatory quorum to hear the matter.

Justice Moore Adumien, leading two other justices, fixed the matter for June 2.