- Forfeits monies in undeclared accounts
BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has convicted the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, for false declaration of assets and barred him from holding public office for 10 years.
It also ordered that for violating the code of conduct for public officers, all monies in Onnoghen’s account, which he did not declare, be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN).
Similarly, the CCT directed his immediate removal of Onnoghen as the CJN and Chairman of National Judicial Council (NJC).
Delivering its judgment on Thursday in Abuja, the Tribunal, presided over by Justice Danladi Umar and two others, held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt that Justice Onnoghen is guilty.
In ruling that Onnoghen “is removed as CJN and chairman of NJC”, the Tribunal declared that the defendant falsely declared his asset by hiding five accounts listed in the charge and in the process, breached the provisions of section 36 of the CCT Act.
Earlier on Thursday, Justice Onnoghen had lost his bid to stop the CCT from hearing his case with the Tribunal Chairman ruling that his prosecution was in order and that it was competent to hear the case.
At noon, the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Danladi Umar, was on hand to deliver its judgment that Onnoghen falsely declared his asset by deliberately omitting the five domiciliary accounts with Standard Chartered Bank, and in which huge deposits were found.
On Monday, April 15, 2019, the Tribunal had fixed Thursday, April 18 to deliver judgment on the charge of false and non-assets declaration allegations brought against Justice Walter Onnoghen, suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The date was arrived at by the Tribunal after parties to the Federal Government and Justice Onnoghen adopted their written addresses.
