Saraki’s lawyers withdraw from corruption trial, vacate tribunal

Senate President, Bukola Saraki's counsels, Ahmed Magaji and Ahmed Raji on Thursday withdrew their representation in the corruption trial of Saraki at the CCT because the chairman of the tribunal, Umar Danladi, refused to suspend the trial to allow the Supreme Court rule on the matter.

On Wednesday, Saraki appealed to the Supreme Court to stop the trial after the Court of Appeal in Abuja refused his request last week.

At the resumed hearing Thursday, Mr. Saraki’s lawyers argued that the case be stood down for the Supreme Court to take a decision.

The lawyers, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria, described the decision of Mr. Umar as ''judicial rascality'' never seen in their years of legal practice.

''It is a strange situation; it is not done anywhere that a matter is pending before a higher court, as the one in the Supreme Court and proceedings will continue in a smaller court,'' Mr. Magaji said.

Source: Premium Times