How FG continues to stall Justice Ngwuta’s trial –CCT

The Federal Government has been accused of delaying the trial of a Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) through constant request for adjournment.

Members of the tribunal’s panel stated this on Wednesday, adding that the prosecution had failed to be diligent in the handling of the case.

According to the CCT chairman, Danladi Umar, and member, William Atedze Agwadza, all the adjournments recorded in the trial of Justice Ngwuta at the tribunal since the matter was filed last year had been caused by the prosecution.

The CCT panel members made this observation while responding to the prosecution’s prayer for an adjournment when the matter came up on Wednesday.

The panel however, grudgingly accepted to adjourn the matter till February 20, after it warned the prosecution that that may be the last it will be adjourning the matter.

The Federal Government on March 21, 2017 filed eight-count charge against Justice Ngwuta, accusing him of him of contravening the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and Tribunal Act by allegedly failing to declare some of his assets.

READ ALSO: CCT boss Umar to be arraigned March 16, 5yrs after allegedly asking for N10m bribe

Ngwuta was also accused of possessing 28 plots of land that he allegedly refused to declare to the CCB between June 2, 2011 and July 19, 2016 and that within the same period, he engaged in the purchase and sale of rice, palm oil and other related products, while being a justice of the Supreme Court.

The judge was further accused of owning five cars, which he allegedly kept away from the CCB.

 

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