Justice Abdul Kafarati of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Friday, dismissed the application by Senate President Bukola Saraki seeking to stop his ongoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT)
Saraki’s trial for alleged false asset declaration and fraud has been on at the CCT since September 2015.
Saraki had approached the court to stop his trial at the CCT, saying it is a breach of his fundamental human rights enshrined in Section Four of the 1999 constitution and an obstruction to his duties at the National Assembly.
Giving his ruling, Justice Kafarati said that the CCT is a constitutional body, in the discharge of its legal obligation which should not be interfered with by a court of law.
He said, “I find that none of the claims fall within chapter four of the constitution.
“This court cannot interfere with the proceedings before the tribunal; it cannot also interfere with the duties of the respondents which have been imposed on them by law.”
Justice Kafarati also held that the applicant’s claims that the CCT’s trial falls short of the constitutional requirements is “a sentimental claim that has no basis in law.
“It appears to me all that the applicant is trying to do is to stop his criminal trial at CCT. The CCT is a competent court to try the criminal matters.
“This court cannot interfere with the case at the tribunal which has power to try cases.
“It is not appropriate for the applicant to approach this court. This case is hereby dismissed.”