Saraki deposited funds above legal income – Witness
The Head of Intelligence Unit of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) Samuel Madojemu Thursday told the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) that Senate President Bukola Saraki, while being governor of Kwara State deposited N77 million into his account in August 2007.
Led in evidence as the third prosecution witness by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), Madojemu said as at the time when the cash lodgement was made on August 12, 2007, Saraki’s monthly salary as governor was N254,412.25k. He added that when the cash is compared to the salary; it cannot be attributed to a legitimate income.
The cash lodgement is the subject of count 7 of the charge against Saraki. It says the N77 million paid into Saraki’s current account with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) “which sum is not fairly attributable to your income, gifts or loan approved by the Code of Conduct for public officers” and by that committed an offence under section 15 (1,2&3) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.
In his asset declaration form of June 3, 2011, which he submitted at the end of his second term as governor, Saraki, declared that he acquired some of the properties he is accused of not declaring with proceeds from sale of rice and sugar.
Madojemu said Saraki as a public officer is allowed to hold shares in a company that trades in rice and sugar. He however said he did not ask Saraki if he owns shares in a company that trades in rice and sugar. “I did not find out if any of the companies the defendant owns shares in are companies that trade in rice and sugar,” he added.
Saraki had earlier been re-arraigned on an amended 18-count charge. He pleaded not guilty to the charge when read to him.
At the instance of the defense counsel, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Danladi Umar adjourned the trial to March 2nd for further cross examination of the witness and continuation of trial.
