The trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki, for alleged forgery was
stalled on Wednesday, because the prosecution counsel, Aliyu Umar, said
he had not prepared his response to a fresh motion by the defendants
challenging the jurisdiction of the court.
Mr. Umar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Attorney General of the Federal, Abubakar Malami.
Mr. Saraki, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, former Clerk of
the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, and his deputy, Benedict
Efeturi, are facing trial for alleged forgery of the Senate standing
rules used to elect them as leaders of the Senate in June last year.
The matter was adjourned in July till September 28 following the annual vacation of the judiciary.
At the opening of session on Wednesday, Mr. Umar informed the court
that he had just received a motion from the defendants challenging the
jurisdiction of the court in respect of the charges against them and
asking that the case be dismissed.
He added that since the matter has to do with the fundamental right
of parties to fair hearing, he needs to properly prepare his response to
the motion.
“Just now I became aware of a motion by the first defendant and
served on us on September 26. The motion is fundamental because it is
asking your lordship to decline jurisdiction and quash the charges. It
is a short notice,” he said.
“I have not filed anything. It is fundamental to fair hearing. Under
the circumstances, I will ask for an adjournment to enable me to
respond to the motion.
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