CCT rejects Onnoghen’s no-case submission, orders him to enter defence

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has dismissed the no-case submission made by suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen.

Onnoghen is being tried for non-declaration of asset, in a six-count charge instituted by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

The tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar, after taking arguments from parties this morning, in relation to the no-case-submission, announced that ruling would be delivered this afternoon.

When the tribunal re-convened, Umar said the tribunal’s three-man’s panel agreed with the submission of the prosecution that the defects mentioned by the defence amount to internal communication at the CCB and does not supersede the Constitution.

SEE ALSO: Onnoghen accuses CCT of not following procedures in instituting case

He held that the tribunal was not bound by the CCB’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) but by the cause of justice.

Earlier, Onnoghen’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the tribunal to discharge and acquit his client on the grounds that the prosecution was unable to establish a prima facie case against him.

Awomolo faulted the entire evidence led by the prosecution and exhibits tendered and urged the tribunal to hold that it is not worth it calling on Onoghen to defend himself.

He said the entire proceedings have become a nullity because the process leading to the commencement of the trial did not comply with the procedure provided for in the CCB’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 2017.

However, prosecution counsel, Aliyu Umar (SAN) urged the tribunal to reject Onnoghen’s no-case-submission and order him to enter defence.

Umar said the prosecution’s case was simple and relates mainly to the defendants failure to declare his assets.

Meanwhile, the tribunal has adjourned proceedings to Monday April 1 for Onnoghen to open his defence.