CCT Refuses Onnoghen No-Case Submission Plea

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Sunday, March 31st, 2019

…Urges Him To Commence His Defence

ABUJA, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has dismissed the no-case submission filed by the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mr. Walter Onnoghen in his ongoing false assets declaration.

Following this, the three man panel headed by Justice Danladi Umar in his ruling Friday asked Onnoghen to open his defence in respect of the six counts of false and non-declaration of assets preferred against him.

Justice Umar-led panel which had earlier took arguments from parties on insisted that Onnoghen had case to answer and should enter his defence.

The ruling countered Onnoghen Legal team contention, that the three witnesses invited by the prosecution Counsel failed to give credible evidence to prove the case beyond the reasonable doubt.

CCT held that the former CJN initial admittance to the alleged offences was a proof that there was a prima facie case against him.

Consequently, Justice Umar held that the defence Counsel action amounted to an attempt to frustrate the trial and evade due punishment.

Following this, Onnoghen head Legal team, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo requested for a copy of the ruling so as to enable the Lawyers assess it, as well as study it and properly advise their client.

While responding that the hard copy of the ruling would be made available Monday, April 1, 2019, Justice Umar adjourned the hearing of Onnoghen defence till the same day – Monday.