Just In: Buhari Govt Halts Onnoghen’s Travel Plans, Seizes Passport

The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has banned former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, from travelling out of the country.

Naija News reports that Onnoghen was in April convicted for not declaring his assets by the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

He subsequently removed and replaced by Justice Mohammed Tanko as the new CJN.

According to the Punch, an internal report issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service stated that Onnoghen, his wife and daughter were attempting to travel to Accra, Ghana when they were accosted by immigration officers.

“On November 11, 2019, retired Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, was attempting to travel to Accra, Ghana. He was in company with his wife, Nkoyo, and daughter.

“His passport, with number A50445233, was flagged because Justice Onnoghen’s name was on the watch list. The passport is currently in custody of the NIS,” the report read.

According to  a senior immigration officer, the passport seized from Onnoghen was the ordinary green passport and not the diplomatic one.

He disclosed to the Punch that the directive to seize Onnoghen’s passport was from the president.

“Justice Onnoghen will have to meet with the Presidency to know why his passport was seized. We are only following instructions,” the officer said.

It was gathered that the actions against the former Chief Judge was part of the latest move to probe Onnoghen.

The Presidency is reportedly angry over Onnoghen’s move to challenge his prosecution by the CCT.