Court Discharges, Acquits Former CJN Onnoghen Of False Assets Declaration Conviction
The Federal Government has expressed its intention to resolve the legal dispute involving former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, amicably.
Onnoghen, who was removed from office in 2019 after being convicted by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on charges of false asset declaration, is challenging the decision through an appeal filed with the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
Tijjani Gazali, counsel representing the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), revealed the government’s stance during a court hearing on Tuesday.
Gazali, who serves as an acting director of civil litigation at the Ministry of Justice, informed the court that efforts were being made to resolve the issues raised by Onnoghen through dialogue rather than prolonged litigation.
Onnoghen, who was present in court, is seeking to overturn the CCT’s judgment, arguing that he was denied a fair hearing and that the tribunal chairman was biased.
He also contends that the National Judicial Council (NJC) is the only body with the authority to discipline a judicial officer, not the CCT.
Gazali explained that the case file had only recently been transferred to the Ministry of Justice following the death of the former counsel handling the matter, Aliyu Umar, in 2020.
As a result, he requested an adjournment to allow time for proper briefing.
Onnoghen’s counsel, Chris Uche, did not oppose the adjournment but urged the court to expedite the hearing.
The appellate court granted the application and adjourned the case to September 19, 2024.
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