No Chance for Saraki to Give Statement Before Trial – Witness

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A prosecution witness on Thursday said the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, was never interrogated by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) before the commencement of his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Saraki is standing trial for alleged false and anticipatory declaration of assets.

The prosecution witness, Micheal Wetkas, said the Senate President was not invited when a team of three EFCC investigators met with the CCB regarding his case.

“As the time the enlarged team met with the CCB, Saraki was not interrogated”, said Mr. Wetkas, Premium Times quoted that accused as saying.

He, however, said the only time he was aware Saraki made a statement was during the investigation by the EFCC and that the statement was made before two of his team members, Usman Iman and Musa Sunday.

He added that he got to know about the interrogation through the team members.

“He made statements regarding those things I am referring to before other team members.

“I know my larger team asked him questions relating to his properties and about the asset declaration that he made before the CCB, as well as the companies he has interest in; both local and international, among other things,” Mr. Wetkas stated.

Asked if Mr. Saraki’s statement was tendered before the tribunal, Mr. Wetkas said he was not aware of that.

“Not to the best of my knowledge,” Mr. Wetkas replied.

Mr. Wetkas further said his team members stumbled upon information regarding Mr. Saraki’s assets and loans, while other team members got information regarding Mr. Saraki’s properties.

He added that there was no account number on the telex used for the said transfer of funds by Mr. Saraki from the GTB to American Express Service, New York.

“The card account number is not on the telexes,” said Mr. Wetkas.

Speaking on the relationship between the credit card and the alleged account, Mr. Wetkas said Guarantee Trust bank was in the best position to explain the process of international transactions.

“The bank is more competent to talk on international transfers.

“Every transaction in the company is specialised and that is why the head of the National Funds Transfer of GTB is listed as a witness in this case,” he said.

He gave the name of the said witness from the GTBank as Amazu Nwachuku.

Mr. Wetkas also said the investigation was principally based on Mr. Saraki’s statement of account, saying the findings of his team revealed a clear transfer to the American Express through the GTB.

He however said he was unaware of any other institution besides banks that gives credit cards to their customers.

Asked whether Mr. Saraki was interrogated with regards to the American Express Bank, he said he is not sure.

Following a request by the defence counsel, the trial was adjourned till Wednesday, April 27.

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