By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

ABUJA—The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, yesterday, deferred hearing on the appeal the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, lodged against his trial before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, till July 18.

A five-man panel of justices of the appellate court, headed by Justice Abdul Aboki, suspended hearing on the appeal following a letter from Saraki’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki

Agabi, through his letter, notified the appellate court panel that he was very ill and could not attend the proceeding. He prayed the court to adjourn the appeal till a later date for hearing.

His application was not opposed by government lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN).

Consequently, Justice Aboki, in a short ruling, adjourned hearing as Agabi prayed.

It will be recalled that hearing of the appeal was also stalled at the last adjourned date, May 31, following the inability of the appellate court panel to form a quorum.

Specifically, Saraki is challenging the jurisdiction of the Justice Danladi Umar-led tribunal to try him on the 16-count criminal charge the Federal Government preferred against him.