The suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, Friday asked the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to dismiss and acquit him of the six-count charge against him by the Federal Government for lacking in merit.
In a no case submission, argued by his counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the CJN said the prosecution has not been able to establish a prima facie case against him.
Addressing the tribunal, Awomolo said the Code of Conduct Bureau did not substantially comply with its law to bring charges against Onnoghen.
According to Awomolo, CCB did not verify the form filled by Onnoghen as admitted by a prosecution witness 2.
He argued that the assets declaration form, which Onnoghen is being accused of not filing properly was neither verified by the authorised persons nor the department saddled with the responsibilities.
“That the defendant did not fill the assets declaration form, no investigation to show that it was done. Prosecution witness 2 said there is a register where all submitted forms are filed and a column to fill after investigating the form.
“The witness said the manager of this register neither the registrar nor the director nor department officer investigated the defendant’s form.”
He also submitted that the maker of exhibit one (petitioner) was not brought to the court to testify.
“The petition amount to hearsay and should be expunged from record”, he said.
He cited 84 of the Evidence Act that for exhibit to succeed, the maker must present them, arguing further that exhibits 4 and 5 were presented by bank officials who were not the maker.
Meanwhile, the tribunal has risen to return by 1.30 pm to give a ruling on the no case submission.
The suspended CJN is facing a six count charge of non declaration of his assets in full.
…More details later
