The National Judicial Council (NJC) on Wednesday decided the fate of embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen who was suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari following allegations of non-declaration of assets.
The Council which took the decision at an emergency meeting held in Abuja said it had forwarded its decision to President Buhari. It said the meeting was to enable it to consider the report of its five-man committee constituted to investigate petitions against Onnoghen and the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Muhammad Tanko.
Speaking after the meeting, the spokesman of the NJC, Soji Oye said “the National Judicial Council reconvened today in an emergency meeting to consider the report of the five-man committee constituted to investigate the allegations of misconduct made against Hon. Mr. Justice W. S. N. Onnoghen, GCON , and Hon. Mr. Justice I. T. Muhammad, CFR.
“Council decided that the allegations relating to assets declaration that was levelled against Hon. Mr. Justice W. S. N. Onnoghen, GCON were subjudice and therefore abstained from considering them.
Council reached a decision on the petitions written by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and others and conveyed its decision to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
“Council also resolved that, by the nature of the decision reached, it would be inappropriate to publicise it before conveying it to Mr. President.”
Meanwhile, Vigil360 has gathered that the Council has recommended the compulsory retirement of the Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Walter Onnoghen, based on “incontrovertible” findings on him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC). It asked President Buhari to give effect to the recommendation immediately.
The NJC, however, urged the President to allow Justice Onnoghen to retain his seat as a former CJN in the Council of State. If the recommendations are approved by the President, it is likely that the ongoing trail of Onnoghen at the Code of Conduct Tribunal would be discontinued.