CCT to decide Onnoghen’s fate today after a no-case submission

The trial of the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Onnoghen may end today should the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) rule in his favour.

The CCT Chairman, Danladi Umar scheduled ruling for 1.30pm on Friday after hearing arguments from parties in relation to the no-case submission made by suspended CJN.

Onnoghen is being tried for non-declaration of asset, in a six-count charge instituted by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

Lead counsel to Onnoghen, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) faulted the entire evidence led by the prosecution and exhibits tendered and urged the tribunal to hold that it is not worth it calling on Onoghen to defend himself.

He urged the tribunal to discharge and acquit his client on the grounds that the prosecution was unable to establish a prima facie case against him.

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But Prosecution Lawyer, Aliyu Umar offered a counter-argument and urged the tribunal to reject Onnoghen’s no-case-submission and order him to enter defence.

“We are not accusing him of having $300m in his accounts. What we are saying is that he failed to declare his assets on his appointment as Justice of Supreme Court and that he operated domiciliary accounts since 2009 and 2010 without declaring them,” he submitted.

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