CCT fixes Thursday for judgement in Onnoghen’s trial

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has fixed Thursday for judgement in the case against Walter Onnoghen, suspended chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Umar Danladi, CCT chairman, gave the ruling on Monday after the prosecution and defence counsels adopted their written addresses.

Onnoghen is standing trial for six-count charge bordering on false asset declaration.

Umar Danladi, CCT chairman, gave the ruling on Monday after the prosecution and defence adopted their written addresses.

Onnoghen is standing trial for six-count charge bordering on false assets declaration.

Earlier, in his address to the tribunal, Okon Efut, counsel to Onnoghen, said the six counts levelled against his client were contradictory and “mutually exclusive.”

“The first is on failure to declare assets. Count two to six complain of false declaration. It [first count] presupposes the declaration, so false asset declaration cannot arise,” Efut said.

“The counts are contradictory in terms and mutually exclusive. They can’t go together. We urge your lordship to dismiss all six counts.”

On his part, Aliyu Umar, counsel to the federal government, argued that the declaration is false since the embattled justice admitted that he made an omission in his assets forms.

“It is his actions and omission that your lordship will consider if he is guilty of the offence,” he said.

“We urge the tribunal to hold that the prosecution has proved it’s case beyond reasonable doubt.”

After listening to submissions of counsels, the CCT chairman fixed Thursday for judgement on the substantive matter.

Umar also said he would rule on applications that he should recuse himself from the matter and whether the tribunal has jurisdiction to entertain the case.