There was a little bit of drama
at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Monday.
Aliyu Umar, lead counsel of
federal government in the trial of Walter Onnoghen, suspended chief justice of
Nigeria (CJN), argued with Zainab Duke, a lawyer on his team, in the full glare
of the tribunal.
The confusion began after they
had entered into appearance in the case. It is not clear what led to argument
but Umar was seen shouting at her.
Duke wanted to make an
observation but Umar said: “Sit down, I am leading.”
At this point Danladi Umar, CCT
chairman, intervened and asked what the problem was.
A police officer moved to give a
microphone to Duke to speak but Umar snatched the microphone.
Umar said: “She wants to address
the tribunal but I have not given her permission to do that.”
Duke got up to explain to the CCT
chairman but she was not audible.
Thereafter, the lead counsel to
the federal government applied that her name be removed from appearance.
“I want to apply that her name be
withdrawn from appearance,” he said.
Ruling on the application, the
CCT chairman said Duke should “take her leave or take her seat at the back
bench.”
After Umar’s ruling, she left.
Both prosecution and defence adopted their addresses after which a date for
judgement will be fixed.
Onnoghen is standing trial for
false assets declaration.
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