Nigeria senate leader Saraki denies forgery charges

The leader of Nigeria's senate, Bukola Saraki, and his deputy have pleaded not guilty to forgery and criminal conspiracy charges. Mr Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu are accused of trying to forge the senate rules in order to help them secure their positions. If found guilty they face up to 14 years in prison. President Muhammadu Buhari has been at loggerheads with Mr Saraki as his party did not want him as senate leader. Mr Buhari's preferred candidate was not present when the senate elected its president last year. Mr Saraki's opponents say that that election was not valid and was conducted under rules which they allege were forged. The case could have widespread political ramifications, correspondents .