Claims, counter-claims as reports allege EFCC invasion of CJN Onnoghen’s house

Reports have emerged alleging invasion of the residence of the embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Yinka Odumakin, a prominent member of civil society, had issued a video statement in which he claimed operatives of the EFCC had invaded the residence of the CJN ostensibly to conduct a search and/or effect his arrest, branding it an act of desperation and lawlessness by the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Also, former Minister of Aviation and vocal Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, Femi Fani-Kayode, had in a post via his twitter handle, also alleged an invasion of Onnoghen’s premises by EFCC operatives to arrest him.

He said, “Why have the EFCC surrounded the home of CJN Onnoghen and why are they seeking to arrest him? These people want Nigeria to burn! Buhari call off your dogs before it is too late! This is a democracy and not a gestapo state! In the name of God let this madness stop”.

Following these allegations, which have received wide circulation online, efforts were made to elicIt a response from the EFCC and the CJN.

Ripples Nigeria had contacted a very reliable source within the EFCC for confirmation of the development. The source said there was no known raid by the commission’s operatives at the residence of the CJN. He also said the other rumour of the CJN’s accounts being blocked by the commission was untrue.

Read also: Embattled Onnoghen joins Buhari, Osibanjo at 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance day

Our source added, “We know the implication of such an invasion in a politically charged atmosphere”.

Confirming the information of Ripples Nigeria’s confidential source, Justice Onnoghen also debunked reports that his residence was Tuesday invaded by operatives of the EFCC.

Senior Special Adviser to the CJN on media, Mr. Awassam Bassey, described the reports as false news.

“I really don’t know where they got the information from. So many media men were here earlier with cameras over the same report. But what I can tell you for now is that there was no such thing. It is false news”, Vanguard quoted Bassey as saying.

The CJN has been in the eye of the storm following the announcement and commencement of his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal over alleged failure to properly declare his assets as required by law.

He was absent at his arraignment but was represented by close to a 100 lawyers including about 40 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs). His trial was adjourned but a Federal High Court has also ruled that it should be halted.

It remains to be seen whether or not the trial continues and whether the CJN will heed calls from some quarters to resign.

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