CCT Chairman Limits Number Of Saraki Lawyers In Cross-Examination

The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar, on Tuesday, said he was no longer going to allow the defence team in the ongoing

corruption trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki, the privilege to cross-examine a witness with different lawyers.

Mr. Umar said this was necessary to save time.

“It is certainly unreasonable that all the 100 counsel of the defence will have a bite at the cherry,” Mr. Umar said.

Mr. Umar’s new position contradicts the one he held last Tuesday when he said the court would give the defence team all the windows it needs to present its case.

Lead prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs, last Tuesday, objected to the use of different lawyers to cross-examine a witness, describing such as a clear waste of time by the defence.

After a heated argument that lasted over an hour, between defence and prosecution teams, the chairman handed down his ruling.

Relying on the relevant sections of the Constitution, Mr. Umar ruled last Tuesday that the defence had the right to defend himself in the manner he wished and should be given the right to carefully present his case.

“The tribunal is bound to give the defendant all the opportunities he needs to defend himself,” Mr. Umar had ruled.

Source