JUSTICE ONNOGHEN ASSET DECLARATION TRIAL ADJOURNED

It is recalled that, some South-South Governors had earlier on Sunday joined opposition voices to prevail on defendant not to appear before the tribunal, but as at the time of filing this report, it was not immediately clear whether his (Onnoghen) absence was in compliance with the advice.

Penpushing further reports that there had being different views from members of the public over the issue, with some of the view that amidst allegations that the proceeding was vindictive and anti-democratic.

The Tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar, after initial disagreement about whether or not the Chief Justice must appear to be docked before the court, between prosecution and defence teams, said he (Onnoghen) must appear for trial.

Penpushing further reports that, the lead counsel for the defendant, Wole Olanipekun argued on behalf of the accused that the top jurist had not been previously investigated and indicted by the National Judicial Council as required by law.

Penpushing also reports that the tribunal chairman said he would hear the application challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal to hear the corruption case together with the docking of  the defendantat the adjourned date of January 22, Tuesday.

Meanwhile, it is recalled that, the charges against the Chief Justice emanated from a petition submitted to the Code of Conduct Tribunal by a politician of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC), who also served as a media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari about 10 years ago.