The prosecution witness against Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and Economic and Financial Commission’s (EFCC) operative, Mr. Michael Wetcas, on Tuesday disowned the documents tendered against him, saying most of the petitions were filed in 2012, while his investigating team was constituted in 2014.
Saraki is facing a 13-count criminal charge pending against him.
Saraki had through his team of lawyers led by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, begged the tribunal to adjourn the matter for at least seven days to enable him properly study some of the exhibits the Federal Government tendered in evidence against him.
“My Lord, we apply for an adjournment to enable us to at least study the exhibits that have been tendered, some of which did not form part of the proof of evidence that was earlier tendered by the prosecution.
“This is even necessary considering that is has become evident that some of the exhibits were not properly marked.
This application is in the interest of justice and consistent with our right to fair hearing as enshrined in the constitution.
“My Lord we make this application with all humility and with regard to the order you made for the matter to be heard day-to-day. We are appealing to your discretion. The laws are not self enforcing”, Agabi said.
Saraki further anchored his appeal on section 36(6)(c) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
However, the request was vehemently opposed by the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, who urged the tribunal to refuse it for want of merit.
“The prayer of this application is not specific, it is ambiguous. My Lord had ordered that the witness should continue so that he can conclude his evidence by tomorrow (today).
“The evidence in question was collected by the defendants since Monday. They proceeded with the cross-examination today (yesterday) because they were satisfied. My Lord we have gone beyond proof of evidence having already tendered these documents as exhibits.’’
Delivering a bench ruling on the matter, the tribunal chairman, Justice Danladi Umar, refused the application, even as he ordered Saraki to ensure his appearance before the tribunal by 10am today.
Justice Umar stressed that the tribunal, having earlier ordered day-to-day hearing on the case, “cannot reprobate and approbate” by bending backwards to adjourn the case for a week as it was prayed to do by the defendant.
“This tribunal is hesitant to accede to the request for one week as such will delay the flow of the cross-examination.”
