The Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, sitting in Abuja has ordered the Nigeria Police and other relevant security agencies to arrest the Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
The tribunal headed by Justice Danladi Umar issued the directive following what Saraki's refusal to appear in court to face a 13-count charge of false and anticipatory declaration of asset, amongst others, levelled against him by the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Saraki who was billed for arraignment this today had tried to earlier stop the process claiming only the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) or someone acting on the AGF's order could bring such charges against him
He then sent his team of lawyers to serve the tribunal with a copy of the ruling of Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, yesterday, which summoned the Ministry of Justice to appear on Monday to show cause why the trial should be allowed to proceed.
Irked by the senate president’s absence at the tribunal for the commencement of his prosecution, the Ministry of Justice prayed the CCT to order for his arrest, saying “he cannot sit in the comfort of his chamber and object to his trial in absentia”.
Meanwhile, Saraki through his lawyer, pleaded that the tribunal consider his position as the Senate President and stay the execution of the arrest warrant, assuring he would be available for trial on Monday.
His plea was however refused by Justice Umar who maintained that the accused person, having sworn to protect the constitution of the land, ought to have shown respect to the tribunal by appearing before it today.
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