BREAKING: CCT orders day-to-day trial in Onnoghen’s case

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has ordered that the trial of suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, shall continue from March 12 on a day-to-day basis.

The tribunal chairman, Danladi Umar, gave this order today following the hearing of two applications by Onnoghen, one of which was challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal, with the other asking the chairman to disqualify himself on allegations of bias.

Umar held that: “In view of the fact that the applications all bothered on jurisdiction and competence of the tribunal, the tribunal is bound by the S296(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and Paragraph 5 sub 5 of the Practice Direction of the tribunal.

“The tribunal therefore, rule that ruling on all the applications will be delivered together with the final determination (judgement) of the substantive suit.

“The proceedings of this case will continue on day-to-day and the matter is hereby adjourned to March 12 for hearing of the substantive issue.”