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| Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen |
The Code of Conduct
Tribunal, Friday granted the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, bail on
self-recognition and, adjourned to March 11, for hearing of all pending applications.
This development followed an oral bail application made by the
defence counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, after Onnoghen pleaded not guilty to the six
count-charge preferred against him by the complainant – the Federal Government
of Nigeria.
The six count-charge
were subsumed that aside allegation that he failed to disclose his assets as
prescribed by law, FG, in the charge that was filed by the Code of Conduct
Bureau, CCB, equally accused the CJN of operating foreign bank accounts.
It also alleged that contrary to relevant laws regulating the
conduct of public office holders, the CJN, maintained a domiciliary foreign
currencies account that comprised use of Dollars Account, Pound Sterling
Account and Euro Account.
However, before
the tribunal proceeded with the matter, Uche pleaded that the order or warrant
of arrest slammed against his client be vacated.
In his words,
“We are here for the arraignment but before the tribunal proceeds, it will be
recalled that there are applications pending.
“It was the view by way of the majority decision of this tribunal
that the defendant must appear.
“And here is
the defendant. But may I plead that the order of the bench warrant be
discharged before proceedings “.
In reaction,
the tribunal chairman, Danladi Umar conveyed approval but said it would be on
the condition that the CJN makes himself available whenever needed.
Also, after the vacation of the order of warrant of arrest and
Onnoghen pleaded not guilty to the aforesaid charges, Uche, again rose to apply
for an adjournment over which the prosecuting counsel, Musa Ibrahim did not
object.
On this
premise, the tribunal chairman acceded to the application and adjourned the
case to March 11, for hearing of all pending applications.
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