The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar, on Tuesday threatened to jail senators attending court sessions in solidarity with Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and throw them out of the tribunal over “unruly behaviour.”
The chairman was angered by ‘rude’ comments from senators and other supporters of Saraki during Tuesday’s session.
The individuals, seated in the court gallery, had during the session repeatedly screamed at prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, to “sit down.”
Umar, who said the Senate President’s supporters’ conduct was becoming unbearable in his court, adding that they should “keep quiet.”
“If I hear anybody ask the counsel to sit down, I will deal with the person and nobody can question me about it. In fact, I will hold the person in contempt and sentence the person to hard labour and nobody will question me,” he said.
The trial of Saraki for alleged anticipatory and false asset declaration resumed Tuesday after weeks of rescheduling at the instance of prosecution team.
The judge however adjourned hearing on the 16-count charge against the Senate President till June 15.
The case was adjourned for Saraki’s defence to further cross-examine the star witness, Michael Wetkas.
Justice Umar also warned Saraki against using delay tactics to frustrate his trial.
Shortly before the defence Saraki’s lawyer, Paul Usoro, SAN, began to cross-examine the witness, Justice Umar, said there was need for him to make some points clear to the defendant.
He said it was imperative for him to warn the defendant that he would face the full consequences of the charges against him, despite whatever delay tactics he chose to employ in the course of the trial.
“I am not happy at the delay tactics by the defence counsel. And I must say this thing out that this delay tactics will not reduce the consequences the defendant will meet from this tribunal at the end of the trial,” Justice Umar warned.
