Connect with us

News

Just in: Appeal Court finally vindicates ex-CJN Onnoghen

Published

on

Finally, the Court of Appeal has declared the conviction and suspension of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) as unlawful.

The Appeal Court also ordered that the bank accounts of Justice Onnoghen sealed by the government should be unfrozen and released to him.

The court discharged and acquitted the former CJN of his conviction and ruled that that the Code of Conduct Tribunal lacks jurisdiction over the matter that led to his conviction.

The court also set aside the ruling by the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar.

Advertisement

Recall former President Muhammadu Buhari had in 2019 removed Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria during the pendency of a charge against him at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Onnoghen was prosecuted in 2019 by the federal government on false declaration of assets at the Code of Conduct Tribunal(CCT). He was pronounced guilty and removed from office. He was also made to forfeit the undeclared assets to the federal government.

Onnoghen not satisfied with the judgment of CCT appealed, praying the court to set aside the judgment that removed him from office and ordered the forfeiture of his five bank accounts.

In his appeal marked CA/ABJ/375 & 376 & 377/2019, Justice Onnoghen through his lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN asked the appellate court to quash his conviction primarily on ground of want of jurisdiction, bias and and absence of fair hearing.

Advertisement

Among others, Onnoghen maintained that the Danladi Umar-led CCT panel erred in law and occasioned a miscarriage of justice against him, when it failed to decline jurisdiction to entertain the six-count against him.

He contended that the CCT Chairman ought to have recused himself from presiding over his trial.

In his seven-point reliefs, Onnoghen, applied for an order setting aside his conviction as well as quashing the order for forfeiture of his assets and to discharge and acquit him of all the charges levelled against him.

Listing some of the particulars of error in the CCT’s verdict, Onnoghen argued that he was s judicial officer at the time the charges were filed against him on Jan. 11, 2019 and as such cannot be subjected to the jurisdiction of the lower tribunal.

Advertisement

“On the authority of Nganiiwa v. FRN (2018) 4 NWLR (Pt. 1609) 30: at 340. 341 only the National Judicial Council (NJC) has the power to discipline the Appellant for misconduct and not the lower tribunal.

“The lower tribunal had in the case of FRN V. Sylvester Nwali Nguta in charge No: CCT/ABJ/01/2017 delivered on 9th January, 2018, affirmed the position of the Court in FRN Nganjiwa v. FRN .

The court further dismissed the charges acquitted and discharged Justice Ngwuta being a Judicial Officer subject only to the discipline of the National Judicial C0uncil.

“The lower tribunal has no iurisdittion over servng judicial officers such as the appellant, save the National Judicial Council.

Advertisement

“The Motion on Notice dated Jan. 14, 2019, challenging the jurisdiction ought to be granted in all material particular as it purports to save the lower tribunal of needless futile exercise.

“The lower tribunal erred In law when it dismissed the Appellant’s Application seeking the chairman to recuse himself from further proceedings on the ground of real likelihood of bias and thus occasioned a miscarriage of justice.

“The Appellant has alleged that the chairman of the lower tribunal is biased towards him as a result of open remarks in the tribunal as well as the manner in which the proceedings was being conducted.”

Contrary to the CCT finding, Onnoghen, said he did not admit the fact of non-declaration of Assets from 2005 as the Justice of the Supreme Court, adding that he only stated that he did not declare in 2009 as required because he forgot.

Advertisement

Onnoghen challenged the order for the confiscation of his assets on the grounds that the assets were legitimately acquired, as against the provisions of paragraph three of the section 23 of the CCB Act which only permits the seizure of such assets “if they were acquired by fraud.”

He faulted the failure of the prosecution to present the petitioner, Denis Aghanya, before the tribunal whose petition led to the charges against him.

Onnoghen maintained that all the allegations brought against him “constitute no offence and should therefore not have formed the basis for his conviction”.

The former CJN asked the Court of Appeal to issue some orders against the CCT judgment among which are that the tribunal lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the case and that its Chairman ought to have recused itself from the proceedings.

Advertisement

Onnoghen therefore applied for an order setting aside his conviction and another one setting aside the order for forfeiture of his assets made by the Tribunal as well as to discharge and acquit him from the charges.

Onnoghen was in 2019 convicted by the Code of Conduct Tribunal in all the 6-count charges of breach of Code of Conduct for Public Officers brought against him by the federal government while in office as CJN .

In the lead judgment delivered by Chairman of the CCT, Danladi Umar, he had ordered the immediate removal of Onnoghen from office as the CJN.

The Tribunal had also stripped him of all offices earlier occupied among which were the Chairman of the National Judicial Council, NJC, and also the chairmanship of the Federal Judicial Service Commission.

Advertisement

The tribunal also ordered the forfeiture of his five bank accounts and the money in the accounts which Onnoghen did not declare in his asset declaration form submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, an agency of the Federal Government.

Although Onnoghen had been on suspension since January 25, 2019 and had resigned on April 4, the tribunal nonetheless ordered his removal from office as the Chief Justice of Nigeria and also as the chairman of both the National Judicial Council and the Federal Judicial Service Commission.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Breaking: Atiku emerges new Deputy Clerk to National Assembly

Published

on

Sokoto-born seasoned technocrat, Mr. Ibrahim Atiku has been appointed as Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly (DCNA), with effect from February 2, 2025.

This was contained in a letter dated 19th December, 2024 and signed by the Executive Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Engr. Ahmed Kadi Ahmshi.

Ahmshi said the decision was taken during the just concluded 616th Meeting of the Commission, held on Thursday, 19th December, 2024; in recognition of his “hard work” and “administrative competence”.

“The National Assembly Service Commission, at its 616th Meeting held on Thursday, 19th December, 2024, approved your appointment as Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly with effect from 2nd February, 2025.

Advertisement

“This Appointment is in recognition of your hard work and administrative competence. It is therefore expected that you will continue to uphold the confidence reposed in you.

“While congratulating you on your appointment to this exalted position, please accept assurances of our highest esteem”, the letter reads.

Until his appointment, Mr. Atiku was the Director, Finance and Account, House of Representatives, in National Assembly.

He is an Alumnus of Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, and fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management. Atiku also obtained a Masters degrees in legislative studies as well as a Ph.D. in Legislative Studies.

Advertisement

Atiku also attended various courses home and abroad, among them are, the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Harvard University, USA, JF Kennedy School of Government USA, Duke University USA, West African Institute of Finance and Economic management, (WAIFEM), Harvard Business School USA, RIPA International UK. among others.

Recall that the NASC had last month, approved the appointment of Barr. Kamoru Ogunlana as Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA).

Both Ogunlana and Atiku are billed to resume their respective offices Feburary 2, 2025, when the current occupants of the offices shall be due for retirement.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Jubilation as Gov Mutfwang approves 13th month salary

Published

on

The governor of plateau state, Caleb Mutfwang has in his passionate commitment to the welfare of public and civil servants in the State, approved that the 13th-month salary be paid to bring a more joyful Yuletide to civil servants in the state.

Governor Mutfwang in a statement by his Director of press and public Affairs, Gyang Bere also directed the swift payment of end-of-the-year bonuses for public and civil servants in the State.

It was gathered that this is the first time in Plateau’s history that the state government is paying workers a 13th-month salary.

This move is a testament to Governor Mutfwang’s desire to implement policies that enhance working conditions for government workers.

Advertisement

The Governor wishes all workers Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance.

Continue Reading

News

Stampedes: You’ve Weaponized Poverty on Nigerians – HURIWA Tells Tinubu, State Govs

Published

on

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed grave concern over the spate of deadly stampedes occurring across the country, attributing the tragedies to the government’s failure to address worsening economic conditions.

The advocacy group accused both federal and state governments of “weaponizing poverty,” creating an environment where desperate citizens now risk their lives scrambling for basic necessities that were affordable just months ago.

The group condemned the most recent stampede in Maitama, Abuja, where ten individuals, including four children, lost their lives during a food distribution exercise at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Similarly, the group decried the crowd crush at a school fair in Ibadan, which claimed the lives of at least 35 children, and the stampede in Okija, Anambra State, where multiple casualties were recorded during the distribution of palliatives.

HURIWA lamented that these stampedes are the result of severe hunger and deprivation fueled by skyrocketing inflation, poor economic policies, and the weaponization of poverty.

Advertisement

“Nigerians are dying while rushing for staple foods that were affordable just a few weeks before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.

The government’s inability to implement effective economic policies has pushed millions into desperation,” the group stated.

The Maitama incident, which occurred during a charitable outreach to the vulnerable and elderly, claimed ten lives and left eight others injured. In Ibadan, the deaths of 35 children at a school fair organized by the Wings Foundation and Agidigbo FM Radio shocked the nation, while the stampede in Anambra State highlighted the peril of poorly organized relief efforts in a country where millions live in poverty.

According to HURIWA, the removal of fuel subsidies without adequate cushioning measures has exacerbated the cost of living crisis, forcing many Nigerians into extreme poverty.

Advertisement

With over 133 million Nigerians classified as multi-dimensionally poor, according to recent reports, the group noted that hunger and deprivation have reached unprecedented levels.

“This government has turned poverty into a weapon, creating a situation where citizens are dying to secure basic sustenance. This is not governance; it is a tragedy,” HURIWA asserted.

The association emphasized that these recurring stampedes are symptomatic of a deeper crisis in Nigeria’s socio-economic fabric. It warned that the country is dangerously close to the brink of becoming a failed state. “When citizens die in droves just to access food, it is clear that the state is failing in its primary responsibility of safeguarding the lives and welfare of its people,” HURIWA said.

The advocacy group criticized President Tinubu’s administration for implementing poorly thought-out policies that have worsened the economic situation. It pointed out that the rising cost of staple foods, transportation, and other essential goods has left millions unable to meet basic needs.

Advertisement

“Before this administration, staple foods like rice and garri were within reach for the average Nigerian. Today, these have become luxury items, accessible only to a few,” HURIWA noted.

The association also accused state governments of compounding the problem by failing to prioritize grassroots development and welfare. It cited instances where poorly organized charitable events and palliative distributions have led to fatal stampedes, as seen in Anambra and other states.

HURIWA called for an immediate review of economic policies at both federal and state levels, urging leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens over political and personal gains. “Governments must stop paying lip service to poverty alleviation and take real steps to address the root causes of hunger and deprivation,” the group stated.

The association proposed several measures to prevent future tragedies and address the underlying causes of the current crisis. These include the immediate implementation of comprehensive social safety net programs to provide food, healthcare, and financial assistance to vulnerable populations. HURIWA also called for massive investments in agriculture to increase food production and reduce dependency on imports.

Advertisement

Also, the group urged the federal government to introduce tax relief measures for low-income earners and small businesses to ease the economic burden. It also advocated for the creation of job opportunities through public works programs and partnerships with the private sector.

HURIWA stressed the need for better coordination of relief efforts to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety during palliative distributions. It called on event organizers to collaborate with local authorities and law enforcement agencies to manage large crowds and maintain order.

The advocacy group further emphasized the importance of accountability and citizen participation in governance. It urged Nigerians to demand transparency and hold their leaders accountable for policies that impoverish the masses.

HURIWA also called on President Tinubu’s administration to reverse policies that have exacerbated poverty and introduce people-centered reforms to rebuild public trust.
“This government must realize that the survival of its people is non-negotiable. Urgent steps must be taken to address the root causes of these tragedies and prevent Nigeria from sliding further into chaos,” the group stated.

Advertisement

As the holiday season approaches, HURIWA appealed to wealthy individuals and organizations to step up their philanthropic efforts to assist the less privileged. However, it stressed the need for such activities to be well-coordinated to avoid further tragedies.
The group reiterated its warning that Nigeria is on the verge of a socio-economic collapse. It called on all levels of government to act decisively to reverse the trend and restore hope to the millions of Nigerians struggling to survive.

“The lives lost in Abuja, Ibadan, Anambra, and elsewhere are a grim reminder of the cost of inaction. The government must stop weaponizing poverty and take immediate steps to address the root causes of this crisis. Failure to act now will only push Nigeria further toward the precipice of a failed state,” HURIWA declared.

We do everything possible to supply quality news and information to all our valuable readers day in, day out and we are committed to keep doing this. Your kind donation will help our continuous research efforts.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News