Again, Suspended CJN Onnoghen Fails To Appear At CCT

The suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, on Monday failed to appear at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over the non-assets declaration charge preferred against him.

During proceedings, the Danladi Umar-led tribunal confirmed Onnoghen’s solemn absence at 10:28 am.

However, counsel to Onnoghen, Adegnoyega Awomolo (SAN) prayed the CCT to grant an adjournment, stating that the Nigeria Judiciary Council (NJC) had intervened in the matter with a directive to Onnoghen to respond to a petition against him within seven days.

“NJC under its powers has forwarded a petition against the CJN for him to respond within seven days.
The seven days will elapse on Wednesday, February 6. And we are hoping that shortly thereafter, NJC will meet to consider the reply of CJN over the allegations.

“The proceedings are better adjourned so that the CJN does not suffer a double tragedy in the hands of the CCT and CJN.

“We are praying that this matter be adjourned to enable NJC take decision before further proceedings by this tribunal,” Awomolo said.

Counsel to the federal government, Aliyu Umar, however, did not object to the application.

Umar suggested that the adjournment be put for Thursday this week saying, if Onnoghen fails to come, the tribunal could use powers within its jurisdiction to compel him.

In response, Umar objected to the further adjournment, accusing the counsel of the defendant of using technicalities in law to buy time.

Besides, he said the matter for today was to determine the tribunal’s jurisdiction on the matter and interlocutory application for the suspension of Onnoghen.