Onnoghen resumes CCT trial after health challenge

The suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen on Monday was present for his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), after attending to health challenges.

His trial was adjourned on Tuesday, 12 March following his absence on health grounds.

According to Onnoghen’s lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the suspended CJN was suffering from toothache. And to buttress his position, Awomolo presented a medical report signed by Onnoghen’s doctor and Medical Director, Ideal Medical Services, Dr. Francis Uche.

He said the doctor had recommended that Justice Onnoghen should observe a 72-hour bed rest for his high blood pressure to be properly monitored.

In his reaction, the prosecution counsel, Aliyu Umar (SAN), upheld the reason given by the defence counsel.

He admitted that the reason for the defendant’s absence in court was cogent enough.

He added that since his doctor requested that Onnoghen should observe some rest, and also considering his age, it was only necessary that the tribunal should adjourn sitting to enable the defendant to recover fully and resume the trial.

In his ruling, Justice Umar held that in view of the medical report and the prosecution’s stand that Onnoghen’s health is important, and also considering his age and other issues raised in the medical report, the matter stands adjourned till March 18, 2019, at the instance of the defendant.

The Nigerian government is suing the CJN over refusal to declare his assets in breach of the provision of the Code of Conduct Bureau Act.

He is also being accused of maintaining 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.