CCT discharges false asset declaration against Saraki

 

 


THE Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has discharged and acquitted Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki over false asset declaration.
Lead Counsel to the case, Kanu Agabi (SAN) made a no-case submission on May 4, after the prosecution closed its case.
In the ruling, the Chairman of tribunal, Danladi Umar, said the prosecution had failed to prove its allegations.
The Code of Conduct Bureau in September 2015 slammed a 13-count charge of corruption on the Saraki.
In charge number ABT/01/15, dated September 11 and filed before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Mr. Saraki was accused of offences ranging from anticipatory declaration of assets to making false declaration of assets in forms he filed before the Code of Conduct Bureau while he was governor of Kwara state.
According to the charges, the Senate President was also accused of failing to declare some assets he acquired while in office as governor.
Among other offences, including allegedly acquiring assets beyond his legitimate earnings, Mr. Saraki also accused of operating foreign accounts while being a public officer governor and senator.
The offences, the charge said, violated sections of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.