Chief Kanu Agabi: Saraki’s lawyer: makes a sudden appearance in tribunal

Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Chief Kanu Agabi, the lead lawyer for Senate President, Bukola Saraki dramatically surfaced at the Code of Conduct of Tribunal, Tuesday afternoon, in Abuja, moments after the Tribunal ordered  the commencement of trial and the first witness entered the box.

Agabi’s stand-in lead lawyer, Paul Usoro, a senior advocate of Nigeria had told the Tribunal that Agabi was stranded in  Uyo, Akwa Ibom  state, because of flight problems. And then  he moved a motion that the tribunal adjourn proceedings in view of an appeal already filed at the Court of Appeal to upturn the tribunal ruling of 24 March upholding its jurisdiction.

The tribunal chairman, Danladi Umar dismissed the motion and ordered the trial to proceed.

After the first witness entered the box, Usoro again pleaded with the court to adjourn and set a fresh trial date. Umar again rebuffed the argument as he had already settled it with his earlier ruling that trial should start.

He however conceded that  the witness should only give his evidence in-chief, while the cross examination will hold on another date when Agabi would be available.

These exchanges were still on when Agabi emerged and entered the courtroom, to the surprise of all.