Supreme Court orders CCT to suspend Saraki’s trial

The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to suspend proceedings in the trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

The apex court asked the CCT to “tarry awhile” and await its decision in the appeal filed by Saraki.

The directive by a five-man panel, led by Justice John Fabiyi, followed an undertaking by respondents’ lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), to the effect that since the court has granted accelerated hearing in the appeal, he will prevail on the CCT not to proceed with trial until the apex court rule on Saraki’s appeal.

“The appellant’s brief of argument was filed yesterday (November 11, 2015). The respondents’ brief of argument shall be filed within seven days from today. If need be, the appellant’s reply shall be filed within seven days thereafter.

“All these point to the fact that both parties are interested in expeditious hearing of the main appeal before this court.

“Learned counsel for the respondents has given an undertaking that no unusual steps would be taken on behalf of the respondents. It is imperative to say that parties, as well as the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), should tarry awhile.

“In effect, further proceedings before the Code of Conduct Tribunal should be stayed pending the hearing of the main appeal. Hearing date shall be communicated to the parties in due course,” Justice Fabiyi said in a ruling that was adopted by other members of the panel.

Earlier, Jacobs and Saraki’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), argued the Senate President’s application for stay of proceedings pending the determination of the appeal.

While Daudu prayed the court to order a stay of proceedings at the CCT, Jacobs argued otherwise, contending that Saraki was only interested in frustrating his trial before the tribunal by filing multiple applications in various courts.