Onnoghen appears before CCT, pleads not guilty
Suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen on Friday pleaded not guilty to charges of false asset declaration brought against him by the Nigerian government at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in Abuja.
Justice Onnoghen is facing six charges for the alleged offence.
Onnoghen, who was brought before the tribunal on January 14, is accused of failing to declare his assets to the Code of Conduct Bureau and for operating bank accounts used for the transfer of foreign currencies after his appointment as CJN.
After taking his pleas, the suspended CJN’s lawyer, Chris Uche, asked for the bail of his client.
The request was immediately granted by the tribunal chairman, Danladi Umar, without hearing from the prosecution.
An application for an adjournment was made by the defence counsel, and was not objected by the prosecution.
Justice Onnoghen, who refused to take a seat inside the dock stood with his hands wrapped around his back for most parts of the proceedings.
On Friday, Mr Onnoghen arrived the tribunal in the Jabi district of Abuja at about 10.00 a.m. amidst heavy security two days after the tribunal ordered his arrest.
The justice had boycotted earlier hearings, as he contested the powers of the tribunal to hear the case of alleged asset falsification against him.
His convoy of Toyota Land Cruisers parked outside the tribunal hall for several minutes before Mr Onnoghen walked into the court room flanked by aides and security.
Mr Onnoghen was suspended by President Muhammad Buhari after charges were filed against him at the CCT.
His suspension widely deemed unconstitutional, sparked widespread condemnation with many Nigerians alleging political motivation.
