Again, Onnoghen absent as CCT adjourns trial to February 13

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Monday adjourned the case against suspended chief justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, till February 13.

The suspended CJN was absent in court on Monday.

The adjournment followed the application of Adeboyega Awomolo, counsel to Onnoghen.

While Onnoghen challenged the jurisdiction to entertain the matter, the federal government counsel asked the tribunal for an interlocutory order to “cement” an earlier order given by the CCT chairman.

At the tribunal on Monday, Onnoghen’s lawyer argued that the matter should be adjourned to a later date because Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), had petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) against his client.

He said, “Our application is that proceedings be further adjourned, so it does not result in double jeopardy before the tribunal and the NJC.”

“In the interest of due process, we want the NJC to look into this matter.”

The FG counsel said: “I ask that the matter be adjourned to Thursday.”

He also said the AGF “can discontinue the matter at the tribunal if he likes.”

Umar said if Onnoghen is not in court on the next adjourned date “he will ask for appropriate orders.”

However, Danladi Umar, CCT chairman, insisted that the pending applications before the tribunal be heard.

In response, Awomolo said: “We have both agreed for adjournment, the tribunal cannot decide to take the matter out of our hands.”

At that point, the CCT chairman accused Onnoghen’s lawyer of “using delay tactics.”

After what appeared to be an argument between Awomolo and the CCT chairman, the federal government’s counsel prayed that the tribunal is stood down for 30 minutes.

After about 20 minutes, the CCT chairman adjourned the case till  Wednesday, February 13.