Assets Declaration: Court Orders Saraki's Arrest

Justice Danladi Umar of the Code of Conduct Tribunal has ordered that
a bench warrant should be issued on the Senate President, Dr. Bukola
Saraki, for failing to appear to answer charges bordering on assets
declaration.

Senate President Bukola Saraki's trial for alleged false declaration
of his assets when he was governor of Kwara State has begun at the
Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The Prosecution Counsel, Mr. Muslim Hassan, asked the tribunal to
issue a bench warrant against Saraki for failing to appear before it.

Hassan faulted the Federal High Court for granting the ex parte motion
halting Saraki's arraignment.

He argued that the Federal High Court had coordinate jurisdiction with
the tribunal and as such, had no powers to halt trial of the Tribunal.

The Defence Counsel, Mr. Joseph Daudu, however, prayed the tribunal to
adjourn the case until after the Federal High Court sitting on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Chairman tribunal, Mr. Umar Danladi, adjourned the case
till 1.30pm for a decision to be taken.

-PUNCH