The National Judicial Council (NJC) Wednesday dismissed the allegations of false and non-declaration of assets brought against the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen. The NJC in a statement by its Director of Information Soji Oye, described the allegations relating to assets declaration levelled against Justice Onnoghen as subjudice and consequently, abstained from considering them.
The decision was reached at the NJC emergency meeting convened to consider the report of the five-man committee constituted to investigate the allegations of misconduct made against Justice Onnoghen and the Acting CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad. The Council also reached a decision on the petitions written by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Justice Onnoghen. While the council has conveyed its decision to President Muhammadu Buhari, it has however resolved that considering the nature of the decision reached, it would be inappropriate to make it public before conveying it to Buhari. Thus, it is not certain what the Council resolved on the said petitions.
One Dennis Aghanya had petitioned the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) earlier in the year, alleging that Justice Onnoghen breached the public service rule by failing to declare some of his assets as stipulated by law. Despite court orders challenging the jurisdiction of the CCT to bring the CJN to trial, the CCT has gone ahead with the trial; where the suspended CJN on Wednesday, closed his defence in on the charges bordering on assets declaration breaches, after calling his driver of 20 years as his first witness.
Lead counsel to Onnoghen, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), told the court that after taking a deep consideration, the defence closes its case. “Pursuant to paragraph 14 of the Practice Direction of the CCT, we will be applying to file our final written addresses.” Uche asked the court give the counsel 14 days within which to file in their written addresses. He also applied to be obliged with the proceedings before the tribunal.
The prosecution led by Aliyu Umar, SAN, also prayed the court to be accord counsel enough time in order to file their own written address. “Because time for filing of written address is not expressively provided for in the Practice Direction, that makes it a matter of discretion of the court,” Umar said.
However, the CCT Chairman, Danladi Umar gave the defence three working days, from April 4 to April 8 to file their address. The Chairman said the prosecution should file their address from April 9 to April 11.
He further adjourned the case until adoption of written addresses.
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