Again, Onnoghen Absent At CCT Hearing, Gives Reason

Onnoghen Misses CCT Hearing

The suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, was absent at today’s Code of Conduct Tribunal hearing on medical grounds.

Onnoghen, however, wrote the tribunal, informing it that he had a toothache and could not attend the hearing due to a medical appointment he had with his doctors.

Naija News recalls that the tribunal had ordered a daily hearing of the matter on Monday, after reserving ruling in an application challenging its jurisdiction.

The lead counsel representing Onnoghen, Adegboga Awomolo, presented a letter from the hospital where Onnoghen is expected to be meeting with medical officials on the appointment.

Reading through the letter, the lead prosecution lawyer, Aliu Umar, said he would concede to the report that the defendant had a medical challenge.

According to Mr Aliu, the content of the medical letter showed that Mr Onnoghen was also battling a high blood pressure and that the CJN was ordered to remain on bed rest for the next 72 hours.

A three-member panel of the tribunal led by Danladi Umar, therefore, adjourned the matter till March 15, following a request for an adjournment by the prosecution.

“In view of the medical report presented by the defendant and the fact that the request was conceded by the prosecution, the tribunal hereby adjourns matter till Friday, March 15 as requested by the prosecution,” said Mr Umar.

Mr Onnoghen is facing trial on alleged false asset charges, Naija News reports.