Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday brought to a halt the Federal Government’s arraignment of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal on charges of non-declaration of assets.
Meanwhile as the case was on going in Abuja, more groups which include the Yoruba Council of Elders, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Southern and Middle Belt forum and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project frowned against the federal Government over the CJN trial.
These groups stated on Monday that the way the issue was being handled could lead the nation into anarchy adding that due process must be followed in order not to make Buhari’s administration look desperate to do away with the CJN.
However, Justice N.E. Maha in a ruling on two ex parte applications brought before by different groups made an order that restrained the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, the CCT; its chairman, Danladi Umar, Code of Conduct Bureau, the Inspector General of police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris; and others from any action in respect of the case till January 17.
The Judge also ordered that the defendant be served with the processes filed by the defendants in the two suits.
She ruled in respect of the application filed by the incorporated trustees of the International Association of Student Economists and Management, on Monday,
“It is hereby ordered as follows:
“That the defendants shall be served with all the processes filed in this suit and shall appear on January 17, 2019 for the hearing of the motion on notice.
“That in the meantime, parties shall maintain the status quo that exists as of today, January 14, 2019 and shall not take any step that will interfere with the resolution or subject matter of the suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
“That the matter is adjourned till January 17, 2019 for hearing.”
