CCT adjourns proceedings on charges against CJN Onnoghen to January 22

By Oliseama Okwuchukwu

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has adjourned to January 22, the proceedings in the non-declaration of assets charge against the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Samuel Onnoghen.

The CJN’s lead counsel, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) had argued that Section 123(a) of ACJA directs that, in a criminal case, the summons must be personally served on the defendant.

The prosecution counsel, Umar Aliyu had asked the tribunal to direct that the bailiff must ensure that he does not take any contrary directive but must ensure personal service on the CJN.

Following back and forth of over 40 minutes, the CCT Chairman, Danladi Umar adjourned the proceedings to January 22.

He directed that the summons must be served on the defendant before the date.

He also directed that all the interlocutory applications would be heard on the next adjourned date.

The CJN was absent throughout today’s proceedings.

GRASSROOTS had reported that Senator Ike Ekweremadu and other prominent Southern Nigerian politicians are of the view that the Federal Government should withdraw the case and apologise to the CJN.