Ex-CJN Walter Onnoghen Set To Reengage In Legal Proceedings Over CCT Removal Judgment

Ex-CJN Walter Onnoghen Set To Reengage In Legal Proceedings Over CCT Removal Judgment

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, is set to resume his legal battle against the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) judgment that led to his removal from office in 2019. The proceedings will take place on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the Court of Appeal in Abuja……. CONTINUE READING

Onnoghen first initiated this legal action in April 2019. He is seeking the Court of Appeal’s intervention to nullify the CCT’s decision issued on April 18, 2019, citing several grounds for appeal. His case, identified as CA/ABJ/375 & 376 & 377/2019, argues that the CCT’s ruling should be overturned due to lack of jurisdiction, bias, and denial of a fair hearing.

The notice for the hearing, titled “CA/ABJ/375 & 376 & 377/2019 BTW: Justice Onnoghen and FRN,” states that the appeal will be heard on August 20, 2024, at 9 a.m. in the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

In 2019, the CCT convicted Onnoghen on six counts of breaching the Code of Conduct for Public Officers. The tribunal ordered his immediate removal from the position of CJN, as well as from his roles as Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and Chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC). Additionally, the tribunal mandated the forfeiture of five bank accounts and their assets for failing to disclose them in his asset declaration.

Despite being suspended since January 25, 2019, and having resigned on April 4, the CCT’s ruling still required Onnoghen’s removal from his judicial positions.

Onnoghen’s appeal challenges the tribunal’s ruling on 16 grounds, including errors in law and a miscarriage of justice. He argues that the CCT should have declined jurisdiction over the charges and that the tribunal’s chairman should have recused himself due to perceived bias.

Onnoghen’s application requests the Court of Appeal to set aside the conviction, quash the forfeiture order, and discharge him of all charges. He contends that only the NJC has the authority to discipline judicial officers, and that the CCT’s actions were beyond its jurisdiction. Onnoghen also disputes the asset forfeiture order, claiming his assets were lawfully acquired and that the prosecution failed to present key evidence.

The former CJN seeks to overturn the CCT’s judgment and reinstate his status and assets.

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