The Code of Conduct Tribunal has dismissed an application filed by a counsel to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, asking the tribunal's chairman, Danladi Umar to disqualify himself from the case. Mr. Saraki is standing trial for alleged false and anticipatory asset declaration.

On Thursday, one of his counsels, Rapheal Oluyede, who was appearing for the second time at the tribunal, rose up shortly after appearances were announced and attempted to introduce a motion which he said had been communicated to the tribunal on Wednesday.

The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, objected strongly to the motion, and interrupted Mr. Oluyede. The tribunal chairman dismissed the motion swiftly.

"That motion as far as the tribunal is concerned is of no consequence; not worthy to be entertained and is hereby thrown away" said Mr. Umar. The tribunal soon became rowdy as the counsel holding brief for Kanu Agabi, Mr. Saraki's lead counsel, insisted they be heard.

After making his point, Mr. Oluyede got into a fierce argument with Mr. Danladi and was almost escorted out of the tribunal by the police, following the order of the tribunal chairman, before Mr. Jacobs intervened and pleaded with Mr. Danladi to calm the situation.