SAN FRANCISCO, July 11, (THEWILL) – Nigerians who were expecting the commencement of trial in the forgery case against Senate President Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and two others on Monday were disappointed as the case has been postponed.
The duo, alongside former Senate Clerk, Salihu Abubakar Maikasuwa and Deputy Clerk of the Senate Benedict Efeturi are facing a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and forgery before Justice Yusuf Haliru, of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Jabi, Abuja.
They were accused of forging the Senate Standing Orders 2015, with which elections for the offices of the Senate President and Deputy Senate President of the Eighth Senate were conducted
The four defendants, who were arraigned on June 27 and could bag a maximum of 14 years’ imprisonment on conviction, pleaded not guilty.
The court had on the June 27 adjourned to July 11 for commencement of trial.
However, when parties, including press men and some members of the Senate with their supporters got to court on Monday, they were informed that the case had been postponed following the annual vacation of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja which commenced earlier than anticipated.
Court officials told lawyers representing parties that a circular for the annual vacation became public last Friday, but became effective on Monday.
Parties then agreed to return on September 28.
Story by David Oputah
