The Danladi Umar-led three-man Code of Conduct Tribunal has adjourned proceedings involving the charges of non-declaration of assets preferred against the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN Justice
Walter Onnoghen, till January twenty-two.
Justice Umar, ruled that the tribunal would hear Onnoghen’s motion challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal at the next proceedings.
The tribunal adjourned the case after the lead prosecuting counsel, Mr. Aliyu Umar (SAN), conceded that Onnoghen was improperly served with the charges and the summons.
He conceded that the CJN was not personally served with the charges and the court’s summons, as required by the law.
Justice Umar, therefore, requested the three-man tribunal led by Danladi Umar to direct a fresh service on the CJN.
Upon an inquiry by the tribunal chairman about Onnoghen’s absence from court, the defence team led by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), said the CJN needed not to be present, having filed a motion to challenge the tribunal’s jurisdiction.
Chief Olanipekun, said he and other defence lawyers only appeared in court in protest against the jurisdiction of the tribunal.
He also said that, from the account given by the court official earlier in the proceedings, the CJN was not served with the charges and summons personally, but through his aide.
Chief Olanipekun, insisted that the law requires that the defendant be served personally.
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