FG re-arraigns Senate President Bukola Saraki on new charges

Abuja, April 28, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Government on Thursday re-arraigned Senate President Bukola Saraki on amended three charges of alleged false asset declaration before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Saraki pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In the fresh charge, the Federal Government accused Saraki of abusing his office while serving as Governor of Kwara State between Oct.2006 and May 2007 by obtaining a loan from GTBank to acquire property at No. 17A and 17B McDonald Street Ikoyi, Lagos.

The Federal Government, through its counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said Saraki failed to declare the property which was allegedly acquired in at N497.2 million.

In the charge, Jacobs also accused Saraki of failure to declare his leasehold interest in property located at No.42, Remi Fani-Kayode Street, Ikeja, Lagos allegedly acquired through his company Skyview Properties Company.

The charge further accused Saraki of allegedly receiving monthly salary between June 2011 and October 2013 when he was Senator.

After hearing the charge, Saraki’s lawyer, Paul Usoroh SAN, asked the tribunal to adjourn the case to enable him to consult his client to respond to the new amended charges.

The Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar, adjourned the case till May 10 for continuation of trial.