The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the 2019 conviction of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on charges of false assets declaration.
In a judgment delivered on Monday, a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed discharged and acquitted Onnoghen, also ordering the release of his assets that were previously seized.
This ruling follows a settlement agreement between the Federal Government and Onnoghen, which was adopted by the court. In the terms of settlement, both parties acknowledged that the CCT had erred by convicting Onnoghen without first involving the National Judicial Council (NJC), the body responsible for disciplining judicial officers.
The case dates back to April 18, 2019, when the CCT found Justice Onnoghen guilty on a six-count charge related to false asset declarations, resulting in his removal from office.
The tribunal also ordered the forfeiture of his bank accounts. However, Onnoghen, dissatisfied with the ruling, filed three appeals challenging the CCT’s decision.
According to Onnoghen’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the recent judgment not only restores Onnoghen’s personal dignity but also reaffirms the independence of the judiciary.
Awomolo expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi for supporting the resolution, emphasizing the importance of judicial independence and public confidence in Nigeria’s legal system.
The settlement terms include an acknowledgment that the CCT lacked jurisdiction to try Onnoghen without first consulting the NJC.
Furthermore, the court ordered the unfreezing of Onnoghen’s accounts and required both parties to implement the settlement terms, marking an official end to the case.
