Code of Conduct tribunal begins trial of Kano civil servants for non declaration of assets

The Code of Conduct on Wednesday began the trial of M. A. Maishanu, Ahmad M. Mu’azu, Alkasim S. Ajumawa, Mustapha M. R. Gado, Gambo Ado and Fatima Bello Aliyu, all former public servants in the office of the Secretary to Government of Kano state for refusing to declare their assets.

While arraigning the accused persons in Abuja, the lead prosecutor for Code of Conduct Bureau, Barr Rakiya H. Bashir told the court that the case was slated for mentioned involving Kano State public servants for non-declaration of Asset in a single charge which she sought the indulgence of the court to orally amend.

She stated “we pray to this honourable court to oblige us the opportunity to disjoint charges against the six accused persons as contained in the CCB&T Act, section 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code and under the inherent Jurisdiction”.

The Tribunal Chairman, Hon. Danladi Yakub Umar cautioned the legal team from Code of Conduct Bureau to always prepare adequately before filling their cases to save the time of the accused who would travel to Abuja.

He however alongside Hon. Member Atedze William Agwadza granted the prayers.

The accused persons who have no legal representation, opted to stand for themselves, as retirees, with no other means to seek for the services of lawyers, arguing that the tribunal can intervene in that direction.

The prosecutor, when asked on what to do, she sought for reasonable adjournment for the accused to prepare and get a defence counsel.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to 10 November, 2015.