Monday, 27 June 2016

Live Update: Saraki, Ekweremadu arraigned for forgery


The Nigerian Senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki and the vice president, Ike Ekweremadu are in court to answer for a case of forgery.
Saraki and Ekweremadu have been charged with forgery.
Follow us as we bring you live updates on events as they unfold in the court.
10:21am
Having taken counsel to the prosecution their pleas, the counsels to the defendants informed the court of a bail application for the clients. But responding, counsel to the prosecution, Mohammadu Diri told the court that he had a counter affidavit. Diri prayed the court to stand the matter down for one hour.
Following Diri’s prayer and no objection from the defendants, the judge, Yusuf Halilu stood the matter down for one hour.
10: 10am
Saraki, Ekweremadu, two others take their pleas – a two count charge bordering on forgery of public documents. All the accused persons plead not guilty to the charges.
10:03am
Mahmood further prayed the court to expunge his appearance. “Permit me to say we can sort this out, I apply that my appearance for the 1st defendant suffices,” Mahmood said .
Mahmood urged the court to discountenance the processes field on behalf of the 1st defendant by his team.
9:53am
Mix up in court as two counsels make appearance for the first defendant – the former chief clerk. A counsel, Magaji Mahmood had stood for the 1st and 2nd defendant when another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ikechukwu Ezechukwu said he is also representing the former chief clerk.
However, the counsels sorted the mix up among themselves.
9:40am
The four accused persons enter the dock.
9:38am
Judge finally comes into the courtroom, many people still standing including lawyers, journalists and some others, for or against the four accused persons.
9:29am
Saraki is seated in court, all dressed in white Agabda and a matching cap. Ekweremadu is seated beside Saraki dressed in a black Igbo native attire (Isi Agu) and a red native cap.
Also present in court is Stella Oduah, Dino Melaye and many other lawmakers alongside their aides.
READ ALSO: See how many senators passed vote of confidence on Buhari (photos)
9:25am
Court still disorderly, while the court clerks are working so hard to calm everyone. A court clerk uses a list to call names of lawyers who are in the matter.
There are reports that a policemen attached to Saraki attacked a photojournalists, barring them from entering the courtroom to cover his trial.
9:16am
The judge stands down Saraki, Ekweremadu for 15 minutes over disorderliness and crowded courtroom

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