By Ifeanyi Nwoko
The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has discharged Senate President Bukola Saraki, ruling that he had no case to answer in the 18-count charge of non-declaration of assets.
The case was brought against Saraki him by the federal government, but the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar, on Wednesday upheld the no case submission filed by Saraki.
The CCB had on September 16, 2015 filed a 13-count charge against Saraki for alleged false and anticipatory declaration of assets.
The charges were increased to 15 on April 18, 2016 and another charge was added on April 27, 2016 to make it 16.
The government later increased the charges to 17 on January 11, 2017 and finally to 18 on February 23, 2017.
Saraki entered a no-case submission before the CCT on May 26, 2017.
He argued that none of the exhibits tendered and no evidence given by the four prosecution witnesses linked him to the alleged offences to warrant him to defend the charges.
The three-man tribunal ruled that the prosecution had not brought enough evidence to continue the trial and as such discharged and acquitted Saraki of all wrongdoings and struck out the case.
As the news of the ruling broke, fans of Saraki took to the social media to praise the tribunal for the justice.
Sumner Shagari Sambo tweeted that “ CCT discharges @bukolasaraki, says there is no case by prosecution against him. Evidence not substantial to continue with case’’.
Sir. Ariyo-Dare said in his tweet that “CCT case against @bukolasaraki is hereby thrown out. Discharged and acquitted.”
Mr Shewn Lawal said:
Saraki My leader
Saraki my hero
Saraki my mentor
Saraki my boss
Congratulates to @bukolasaraki, you fought and won them.
NAN
