Finally, NJC takes decision on Onnoghen, Muhammad

…Sends report to Buhari

…Suspended CJN closes defence at CCT with 1 witness

Andrew Orolua and Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja

The National Judicial Commission (NJC) has taken a decision on the allegations of misconduct brought against Walter Onnoghen, the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), and Tanko Muhammad, the acting CJN.

The body reached the decision after an emergency meeting to examine the report of the five-man committee set up to investigate the petitions against Onnoghen and Muhammad. However, it refrained from making its findings public.

This was contained in a statement signed by the NJC Director Information, Soji Oye and made available to The Daily Times on Wednesday.

The statement reads: “The National Judicial Council reconvened today (Wednesday) in an Emergency Meeting to consider the Report of the Five-Man Committee constituted to investigate the allegations of misconduct made against Hon. Mr. Justice W. S. N. Onnoghen, GCON and Hon. Mr. Justice I. T. Muhammad CFR.

“Council decided that the allegations relating to assets declaration that were levelled against Hon. Mr. Justice W. S. N. Onnoghen, GCON were subjudice and therefore abstained from considering them.

“Council reached a decision on the petitions written by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and others and conveyed its decision to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

“Council also resolved that, by the nature of the decision reached, it would be inappropriate to publicize it before conveying it to Mr. President’’, the statement added.

Meanwhile, the embattled suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, on Wednesday, closed his defence on the six count charge of non -assets declaration preferred against him by the Federal Government.

Surprisingly, Onnoghen closed his defence with only one witness, Lawal Olarinwaju, his driver testifying on his behalf.

Surprisingly too, nothing was said or mentioned about the subpoena the tribunal issued last Monday ordering Mrs. Theresa Nwafor, a staff of Code of Conduct Bureau to appear before it on Wednesday to give evidence on behalf of Onnoghen.

At the resumed trial on Wednesday, the defence lawyer, Christ Uche (SAN), who stood for the lead defence Counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), informed the tribunal that “after a deep review of the evidences before the tribunal, the defence team have come to conclusion to close its case.”

“Pursuant to paragraph 14 of the practice direction, we are prepared to file our written address which will include our review of all proceedings. We therefore asked for 14 days to file our address”, Uche, SAN, told the tribunal.

In his response, the prosecution lawyer, Mr. Aliyu Umar (SAN), did not oppose but noted that it is at the discretion of the tribunal to give enough time for the defendant and prosecution to file their written addresses.

Aliyu said that as the practice direction did not provide for time frame within which to file written address, he will leave it at the discretion of the tribunal.

Ruling on their submissions, tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar, gave the defence three days to file their written address and prosecution up to April 11, to respond.

He also gave the defence team two days to reply on point of law, after he was reminded that the ruling had shut out the defendant from replying on point of law.

The Chairman adjourned to April 15 for adoption of written addresses.

Fielding questions after the session, Uche, SAN, said that the defence team no longer need Mrs. Nwafor testimony because they are satisfied that the evidences before the tribunal are enough for the defendant case.