Buhari Govt Closes Case Against Onnoghen, See Why

The Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari has closed its case against Justice Walter Onnoghen, suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Naija News reports that the Federal Government closed the case on Thursday after calling three witnesses to the stand.

Aliyu Umar, counsel to the government, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Thursday, announced that they closed the case despite the fact that they had initially listed six witnesses.

The counsel to the government said the three other witnesses could still be called to the stand if the defence wants to cross-examine them.

His words: “I have called three witnesses. If the defence needs them, I can call the other three,” the lawyer said.

Responding, counsel to Onnoghen, Adeboyega Awomolo, rejected the offer.

“I don’t want them, I don’t want them,” he said.

The counsel to Onnoghen then informed the tribunal that they intend to file a no-case submission but they would need time to write an address.

“We intend to take advantage of section 303 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 on no-case submission,” he said.

“If your lordship permits me to write a written address. I’m praying to be given proceedings of 18th and today.”

Thereafter, the Chairman of CCT, Danladi Umar, ordered Awomolo to serve his address on the prosecution on Wednesday.

The CCT Chairman then fixed March 29 as day counsels would adopt their addresses.

Naija News reports that the suspended Onnoghen is standing trial on a six-count charge bordering on false asset declaration.

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