Appeal Court orders CCT to halt Onnoghen’s trial

The court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has forbidden the Code of Conduct Tribunal from proceeding with the trial of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

Lead Counsel to the Defendant, Wole Olanipekun told the court that the CCT had disobeyed court orders restraining it from the continuation of the trial.

Olanipekun argued that the issue of jurisdiction before the CCT should not be ignored while calling the attention of the court to the implication of neglecting the order on the Nigeria’s constitution.

While arguing against the defence counsel’s submission, counsel to the Federal Government, Mr Oye Koleosho said only the tribunal would determine the stay of proceedings at its discretion.

Read also: More cash found in CJN Onnoghen’s accounts

Having listened to both counsels, the presiding Judge, Justice Abdul Aboki ordered the CCT to stay proceeding pending the determination of the appeal.

Justice Abdul thereafter adjourned till January 30.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have lauded the decision of the Court of Appeal, describing it as a victory for rule of law.

A statement by the spokesman of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) Imo Ugochinyere,, in Abuja on Thursday, said it was a “victory for democracy and rule of law and a fatal blow to the All Progressives Congress political barbarians who are desperate to annex the Supreme Court to the list of their already destroyed national institutions”.

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