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<h1>The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Monday reserved ruling on an application filed by Justice Walter Onnoghen, suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal to try him.</h1>

Mr Danladi Umar, Chairman of the tribunal took the decision to reserve the ruling on the motion after counsel to parties canvassed their positions on the matter in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tribunal also reserved ruling on another application brought by the suspended CJN urging the tribunal chairman to recuse himself from the trial process.

Umar said the tribunal had relied on Section 296(2) of the ACJA to reserve ruling on the two applications pending the hearing of the substantive matter.

He also held that the defendant’s trial would be conducted on daily basis in accordance with Section 296(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

NAN reports that ACJA gives the court the powers to entertain all substantive issues in criminal proceedings without deciding on interlocutory motions before judgment.

Umar further said the tribunal would in its next hearing entertain motions brought by the prosecution, adding that ruling in all pending interlocutory applications would be reserved.

“In the circumstance, all rulings needed can be ruled upon with the substantive matter. The hearing of the substantive matter shall proceed day by day’’, Umar held.

Earlier, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), Counsel to Onnoghen urged the tribunal to take judicial notice of the defendant prayers, adding that the tribunal had no jurisdiction to entertain his client’s trial.

Awomolo also urged the chairman of the tribunal to recuse himself from the case as a result of obvious bias displayed so far.

Awomolo referred the tribunal to decide the motion challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal in line with constitutional provision.

According to him, they are several such decisions made by the Supreme Court to be used as parameters in deciding the application, adding that the tribunal should be guided only by the rule of law.

Malam Umar Aliyu (SAN), the Prosecutor prayed the tribunal to refuse in granting the two applications, adding that the tribunal was a creation of the constitution and therefore, had jurisdiction to handle the matter.

NAN reports that Onnoghen is standing a six-count charge of non-assets declaration.

Justice Walter Onnoghen, suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria

Alleged Non-Assets Declaration: CCT reserves ruling on Onnoghen’s motions

<h1>The National Judicial Council (NJC) on Wednesday took delivery of a preliminary assessment report of petitions brought against Justices Walter Onnoghen, suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (NJC) and Tanko Muhammad, Acting CJN respectively.</h1>

Mr Soji Oye, Director, Information of the council disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the council on Feb.11 constituted a Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, to decide on the petitions against the two justices.

Oye said the council held that the petitions were worthy of further investigation under Rule 17 of the Judicial Discipline Regulations of the Council.

“Consequently, the council constituted a five-member Investigation Committee pursuant to Rule 20 (1) of the Judicial Discipline Regulations under the Chairmanship of Hon. Mr. Justice S. A. Akintan, CON, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“A new petition against Hon. Mr. Justice I. T. Muhammad, CFR, by the Action People’s Party (APP) was referred to the Hon. Mr. Justice for his comments within an abridged 7-days.

“Council directed the Investigation Committee to work expeditiously, determine all the petitions and responses and report to Council for a final decision’’, Soji said.

NAN recalls that NJC on Jan.29 served Onnoghen and Muhammad a 7-day notice to respond to those petitions brought against them.

The initial petition against Onnoghen formed the six-count charge filed against him at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) bordering on allegations of non-assets declaration.

However, the council later received a petition from the EFCC accusing Onnoghen of financial fraud.

Similarly, Justice Muhammad attracted the grievance of Chief Olisa Agbako (SAN) who filed a petition against him for accepting the position of the Acting CJN without following due process.

Justices Tanko Muhammad and  Walter Onnoghen

Mr Soji Oye, Director, Information of the council disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

NJC takes delivery of preliminary report on Onnoghen, Muhammad

<h1>The National Judicial Council (NJC) on Monday constituted a Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committe, to decide on the petitions against Justices Walter Onnoghen, suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Muhammad Tanko, Acting CJN.</h1>

Mr Soji Oye, Director Information of the council said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NJC on Jan.29 served Onnoghen and Tanko a 7-day notice to respond to those petitions brought against them.

Oye said the decision was in accordance with Regulation 17 of the National Judicial Council Judicial Discipline Regulations, 2017.

He said the committee was expected to submit its report to council on Feb.13.

“The National Judicial Council reconvened today in an Emergency Meeting to consider the responses of Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen, GCON and Justice I.T. Muhammad, CFR to the three petitions written against them.

“The council will reconvene on Wednesday, 13th February, 2019.

“Council also received a new petition written by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen, GCON and forwarded it to him for his response within seven (7) working days.

“Council reaffirmed its confidence in Justice Umaru Abdullahi, CON and continues under his Interim Chairmanship’’, Soji said.

NAN reports that Onnoghen is standing a six-count charge trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on allegations of non-assets declaration.

President Muhammed Buhari on account of an exparte order mandating the stepping aside of the suspended CJN, appointed Justice Tanko as the acting CJN.

Meanwhile, Mr Olisa Agbokoba (SAN) filed the petition against the acting CJN for accepting the appointment which according to him, falls below the prescribed legal process of appointing the CJN.

Mr Soji Oye, Director Information of the council said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja.

NJC sets up Panel to investigate Justices Onnoghen, Tanko

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Articles written by the author

Alleged Non-Assets Declaration: CCT reserves ruling on Onnoghen’s motions

NJC takes delivery of preliminary report on Onnoghen, Muhammad

NJC sets up Panel to investigate Justices Onnoghen, Tanko