The National Judicial Council (NJC), Monday, gave the suspended Chief Justice if Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, another query, Monday, which arose from a petition said to have been received from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The council gave Onnoghen seven days to respond to the petition President Muhammadu Buhari had on January 25 announced the suspension of Onnoghen as the CJN and chairman of the National Judicial Council. Buhari accordingly swore in Justice Tanko Muhammad in acting capacity being the next in line in terms of seniority at the Supreme Court.
The President said his action was predicated on the ex-parte order issued on him on January 23 by the Code of C induct T RIBUNAL (CCT).
The suspension was based on alleged Onnoghen’s non declaration of his assets. Charges have already been filed against him at the CCT.
Meanwhile, after the meeting of NJC yesterday in Abuja, the council said another petition by the EFCC was pending against Onnoghen and asked him to reply within seven days.
The NJC said it has constituted preliminary complaints assessment committee, under Regulation 17, to look into earlier petitions against the suspended CJN and acting CJN.
The council had on January 29 requested Onnoghen and Muhammed to respond within seven days to three petitions against them.
According to the NJC: “Members resolved to constitute into the Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee in accordance with Regulation 17 of the National Judicial Council Judicial Discipline Regulations, 2017 and report to Council on the 13th of February 2019.
“The Council will reconvene on Wednesday, 13th February, 2019.
“Council also received a new petition written by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Hon. Mr. Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen, GCON and forwarded it to him for his response within seven (7) working days.
“Council reaffirmed its confidence in Hon. Mr. Justice Umaru Abdullahi, CON and continues under his Interim Chairmanship,” the council said in its statement after the emergency meeting on Monday.
The Federal Government had in the charge marked CCT/ABJ/01/2019 alleged that Onnoghen failed to declare his assets as prescribed by law, and maintained foreign bank accounts.
Felix Omohomhion, Abuja
