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Toothache, HBP keeps ex-CJN Onnoghen away from trial

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NJC recommends immediate compulsory retirement of Onnoghen

Suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, could not attend his asset declaration trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Tuesday due to toothache.

The CJN’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), told the Umar Danladi-led tribunal, adding that Onnoghen also had high blood pressure and needed rest based on his doctor’s advice.

Onnoghen is on trial at the CCT on six counts of non-declaration of assets levelled against him by the Federal Government.

The tribunal had on Monday deferred ruling on two applications by Onnoghen challenging the jurisdiction of CCT to entertain his trial.

Noting that the CCT will only rule on the applications after it had delivered final judgment on the trial, Umar declared that tribunal will from Tuesday (today) begin a day to day trial of the matter.

However, when the matter came up, the CJN failed to appear before the tribunal.

Giving reason for his absent, Awomolo produced a medical report on the health claims obtained by Onnoghen from the hospital where he was said to be receiving treatment.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr. Aliyu Umar (SAN), acknowledged that he had been given a photocopy of the medical report.

He added that he would have expressed an observation about the medical report but for the comment of the doctor who signed it.

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He also noted that the doctor also stated in the letter that the defendant needed to observe bed rest.

Following the concession by the prosecution and the recommendation in the medical report that the defendant needs a bed rest for 72 hours, the tribunal adjourned the case till March 18.

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