*Drama in the court

As early as 8.30 am this morning, the court room and the entire court premises was crowded with sympathisers of the principal lawmakers.

The presiding judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu, who appeared at exactly 9 am was forced to retreat to his chambers by the surging crowd in the courtroom to allow senior lawyers alongside court staff to restore order.

When the judge returned to the bench, with half of the people already ushered out of the court room, the court proceedings commenced.

The efforts of J. B. Daudu and the court registrar notwithstanding, the congestion was still apparent with more people standing than those sitting. Over 30 senators accompanied both Senate President Bukola Saraki and his deputy Ike Ekweremadu to the court.

Outside the court, supporters were chanting solidarity songs. Dino Melaye, who was speaking with his colleagues, described the arraignment as a day of National embarrassment and disgrace of the judiciary.