Again, government amends charges against Saraki at CCT

For the third time, the Federal Government yesterday moved to amend charges against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) sitting in Abuja.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) added two additional charges bringing the charges to 18. Saraki was original charged with 13-count charge on September 22, 2015, and was latter re-arraigned on April 28, 2016, on an amended 16-count charge.

He was accused of making a false declaration of assets, operated foreign accounts while in office as Kwara State governor between 2003 and 2011, as well as collected governorship salary four years after his tenure had elapsed.

One of the two additional charges dated February 8, read: “That you, Bukola Saraki, whilst being the Executive Governor of Kwara State, on or about September 16, 2003, within the jurisdiction of this tribunal, did make a false declaration in the Assets Declaration Form for Public Officers on assumption of office as governor of Kwara State, by making a false assets declaration in that you claimed to have owned substantial and controlling shares in Carlisle Properties Limited and Tiny Tee Limited; and you thereby committed an offence under Section 15 (1) & (2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Cap. C15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 11 (1) & (2) of Part 1, Fifth schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and punishable under Section 23 (2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act and as incorporated paragraph 18 of Part 1, Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).’’

Already, the Danladi Umar-led CCT Panel has endorsed Saraki to enter his plea to the fresh charge.Two prosecution witnesses had testified in the course of the trial and at the resumed hearing yesterday, the CCT boss had to interrupt the testimony of the Third Prosecution Witness, PW 3, Mr. Samuel Madujemu, over the amended charges.

The matter has been adjourned till February 23, for the charge to be read and the defendant takes his plea, and for continuation of trial.