The Code of Conduct Tribunal has fixed March 24 for ruling on a motion by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, seeking to dismiss the false assets declaration charges leveled against him.

Justice Danladi Umar fixed the date for ruling after taking the arguments for and against the motion.

The government’s counsel, Rotimi Jacobs told the tribunal he has been served with the defendant’s motion dated 4 March, 2015.

But he argued that going by sections 220, 221 and 396 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the motion cannot be moved before beginning of hearing of the substantive case.

“The only thing the court can do now is to proceed to trial. I want Your Lordship to determine the issue now,” Jacobs said.

He further explained that the ACJA stipulated that technical objections cannot be raised during trial.

Saraki’s lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), argued that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to entertain the charges, on among other grounds, that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice lacked the powers to file charges before the tribunal.

Agabi said the defense is happy to be in court. He argued that the motion is part of administration of justice and the Tribunal should hear it.

He reminded the Tribunal Chairman that he ruled last Friday that the motion would be argued today.

The defense counsel said the motion is challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal to hear the case.

Credit: Vanguard