UPDATE 6: [11:16]  Argument still ongoing with Mr. Saraki’s lead counsel saying that according to paragraph 18, Subsection 1 of the 5th Schedule of the 1999 Constitution and that the case is either not criminal in nature or that the Tribunal has no jurisdiction to hear it.

UPDATE 7: The prosecution counsel argued however that going by Section 2 of the Administration of Justice Act, 2015, the matter can be heard since the Tribunal was set up by An act of the National Assembly. The Tribunal chairman is currently analysing both points

UPDATE 8: The Tribunal ruled that the trial is criminal in nature. “I hold that the trial before the tribunal is purely criminal,” Chairman Danladi Umar said. He further ruled that the accused enter go ahead to take his plea.

UPDATE 9: Saraki goes to the dock. The 13-count charge of corruption levelled against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau being read to him.

UPDATE 10: Saraki is asked to plead either guilty or not guilty.

UPDATE 11: Saraki responds: “I believe that I am here as the Senate president, to indicate my respect for the Tribunal. I am puzzled why I am being compelled. He said he is not guilty.

Quoting Subsection 3 of the Code of Conduct Act, he said this was not the first time arraignment like this has happened, adding that he should not have been brought before the court.  He then pleaded not guilty.

UPDATE 12: Before pleading not guilty, the Senate President reiterated the provision of  Paragraph 18 of the 5th Schedule of the Constitution – the point earlier argued by his counsel

That provision says: