CCT says CJN already served summon

Embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, has been served a summons by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

CCT’s press and public relations officer, Ibrahim Al-Hassan, in a statement on Saturday, confirmed that the tribunal has scheduled Monday, January 14, for the commencement of the trial against the CJN “for alleged non-declaration of asset.”

“This was consequent to application filed by CCB to the CCT Chairman last Friday for the trial to commence against the CJN on six-count charge,” Al-Hassan said.

“However, service of summons has been effected to the defendant. The three-man panel led by Justice Danladi Y. Umar will commence the trial on Monday, January 14, at its courtroom at about 10 am.”

On January 10, the Nigerian government filed charges against the head of the country’s judicial arm, accusing him of asset declaration offences.

The government said it was only in 2016 after the controversial crackdown on judges that Onnoghen partially declared his asset, but still failed to declare a series of his domiciliary foreign currencies account which comprised Dollars Account, Pound Sterling Account and Euro Account which are alleged to be contrary to relevant laws, especially for public office holders.

Also on Monday, a motion on notice is to be filed against him praying the tribunal to order him to vacate office and recuse himself office so as to prevent alleged interference in his arraignment and trial.