The Code of Conduct Tribunal,
Friday granted the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, bail on
self-recognition and, adjourned to March 11, for hearing of all pending
applications.
This development followed an oral
bail application made by the defence counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, after Onnoghen
pleaded not guilty to the six count-charge preferred against him by the
complainant – the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The six count-charge were
subsumed that aside allegation that he failed to disclose his assets as
prescribed by law, FG, in the charge that was filed by the Code of Conduct
Bureau, CCB, equally accused the CJN of operating foreign bank accounts.
It also alleged that contrary to
relevant laws regulating the conduct of public office holders, the CJN,
maintained a domiciliary foreign currencies account that comprised use of
Dollars Account, Pound Sterling Account and Euro Account.
However, before the tribunal
proceeded with the matter, Uche pleaded that the order or warrant of arrest
slammed against his client be vacated.
In his words, “We are here for
the arraignment but before the tribunal proceeds, it will be recalled that
there are applications pending.
“It was the view by way of the
majority decision of this tribunal that the defendant must appear.
“And here is the defendant. But
may I plead that the order of the bench warrant be discharged before
proceedings “.
In reaction, the tribunal chairman,
Danladi Umar conveyed approval but said it would be on the condition that the
CJN makes himself available whenever needed.
Also, after the vacation of the
order of warrant of arrest and Onnoghen pleaded not guilty to the aforesaid
charges, Uche, again rose to apply for an adjournment over which the
prosecuting counsel, Musa Ibrahim did not object.
On this premise, the tribunal
chairman acceded to the application and adjourned the case to March 11, for
hearing of all pending applications.
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