Justice Walter Onnoghen fails to appear before CCT today

– Suspended CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen failed to appear before the CCT today

– The case has now been adjourned to next week Wednesday

Following the approval that was given to the Code of Conduct Tribunal CCT by the Court of Appeal last week to carry on with the trial of suspended Chief Judge of Nigeria CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

The Code of Conduct had re-fixed the 4th of Feb., today to continue with the trial.

However, the report from the tribunal made it known that Justice Walter Onnoghen was once again absent from the trial.

The CCT chairman, Justice Umar Danlandi was only able to question the defense counsel led by Chief Adegboyega Awolowo over the absence of the Justice.

Chief Adegboyega disclosed that since the Nigerian Judiciary Council NJC was interested in the case, it should be suspended by the CCT.

“I humbly pray your Lordships to tarry for awhile so that the defendant will not suffer double jeopardy.

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“It is in the interest of justice to also the NJC to take a decision before proceeding with the case. I believe that the integrity of this tribunal will be further enhanced if this application is granted”, Awolowo said.

However, the CCT Chairman refused the plea to suspend the case but rather moved for adjournment as he disclosed that the Tribunal could issue an arrest warrant if Justice Walter fails to appear before the tribunal.

According to the report, the case has been adjourned to next week Wednesday.

Justice Walter Onnoghen has been charged with non-declaration of asset and has been placed on suspension since January by the Federal Government based on an order from the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

At the moment, Justice Mohammed Tanko is the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.