Chukwuemeka Njoku, Abuja
The Court of Appeal Abuja Division on Thursday restrained the Federal Government from proceeding with the planned arraignment of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, at the Code of Code Bureau sitting in Abuja, over allegation of non declaration of assets. Chief Adegnoyega Awomolo (SAN), had lodged an appeal on behalf of Justice Onnoghen, at the appellate court, wherein he prayed for an order setting aside the ruling of Chairman of CCT, Justice Danladi Umar on January 14, which directed that motions filed by lead counsel to the CJN, Wole Olanipekun SAN, and the Federal Government’s counsel, Aliyu Umar SAN, be taken together. The restraining order made by a three-man panel of the Court of Appeal will be in force till January 30, when the appellate court fixed for ruling.The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) had filed a motion asking for an order directing Onnoghen to stepdown as the CJN pending hearing and determination of the case against him.The CJN challenged the motion as well as jurisdiction, and vanity of the charge levelled against him by the Federal Government.
