The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the conviction of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, for false assets declaration by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, discharging and acquitting him.
The court also ordered the bank to unfreeze his accounts frozen in 2019, which are all maintained with Standard Chartered Bank (Nig.) Ltd.
The Appellate Court overturned Onnoghen’s April 18, 2019 conviction by the Umar Yakubu Danladi tribunal, resolving all issues that led to his trial and conviction.
Justice Abba Bello Mohammed in a judgment on the terms of settlement adopted by the federal government and Onnoghen ordered that the four bank accounts of Onnoghen ordered to be forfeited be returned to him.
The Appellate court held that the CCT lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter.
While speaking, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Onnoghen’s lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo thanked President Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation AGF for ensuring the resolution of the issue.
“Today’s judgment is historical and significant. It has affirmed the superiority of courts over the wins and caprices of occupiers of other arms of government. Nigeria is practicing constitutional democracy therefore all other organs of government must respect the judiciary,” he said.
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