Proper trial of the President of the Senate begins after a failed application

At last, the proper trial of Saraki began immediately CCT Trial Judge resumes from break at about 1.00pm on Tuesday having ruled that the trial cannot be stopped on the basis of motion filed by the defendants at the Court of Appeal against the judgment based on jurisdiction which was delivered on 24th March, 2016.

Citing relevant sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, and Criminal Justice Act 2015, Umar ruled that notwithstanding the motion of Appeal which was acknowledged by the CCT, it was injusticiable that the matter be adjourned as canvassed defendants while ordered for commencement of trial.

Subsequently, attempt by Defence Counsel, Paul Usoro seeking for adjournment on grounds that Defence was ill prepared especially that he was appearing for the first time on behalf of Chief Kanu Agabi which he earlier apologised for his absence. Responding, Justice Umar cautioned against abuse of Court's decision while Rotimi Jacobs asked the Prosecuting witness to enter witness box for oath in compliance with Section 106 of evidence Act, 2004 in an atmosphere of absolute silence.

Speaking from the witness box, an EFCC investigator disclosed that Saraki had maintained three Accounts with Gurantee Trust Bank in which he took loans at different times when he was governor of Kwara State between 2003 and 2011.

The witness added that the three different currencies in Naira, Dollars and Pounds Sterling in the name of different companies, noting that the in flow and out flow in these accounts ranges from 4billion dollars.

Meanwhile, Chief Agabi who entered the Chamber at exactly 1.15pm while the witness was giving a graphic account of how Saraki laundered money in local and Foreign currency in these accounts interjected and announced his appearance.

Under the evidence Act 2004, print out of electronic statement of account from Bank can be admitted in courts of law now and it was expected that Guarantee Trust Bank, Ilorin, Kwara State, American Express Bank in the United States and Fortis Bank U. K. and other Financial Institutions involved would tender evidence as proceeding progresses.