The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has allowed two additional criminal charges against Senate President Bukola Saraki.
In one of the amended charges filed against the senate president by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), he is accused of receiving monthly salaries from Kwara state government – from 2011 to 2015 – after he had left office as governor and while he was a senator.
The amended charge read: “That you on or about, September 16, 2013 within the jurisdiction of this honorable tribunal did make a false declaration in the asset declaration form for public officers who you filled and submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau upon assumption of office as the governor of kwara state in the year 2003 as governor of kwara state by your failure to declare your leasehold interest in number 42, Remi Fani-kayode street Ikeja, Lagos which you acquired through your company, Skyview Properties Limited from first finance trust limited on December 12, 1996 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to 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),I 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 as incorporated under paragraph 18, Part I of the fifth schedule to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“That you between June 2011 and October 2013, within the jurisdiction of this honorable tribunal, did received monthly salaries or emoluments as governor of kwara state and at the same time, from the federal government as a senator of the federal republic of Nigeria and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 6(a) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. CAP. C15, laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004 and as incorporated under paragraph 2(a), Part I of the, 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 as incorporated under paragraph 18, Part I of the fifth schedule to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
Saraki is already facing a 13-count charge of false declaration of assets. With the additional charges, the total count now is 15.
Paul Usoro(SAN), counsel to Saraki, had asked the tribunal not to allow the additional charges because the prosecution would need a motion to make the amendments.
But Danladi Umar, chairman of the CCT, dismissed the argument and allowed the amended charges.