Lack of quorum stalls Onnoghen’s case at A/Court

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has adjourned hearing in indefinitely in the case of Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen over his suspension and trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

At the Court of Appeal on Tuesday, the registrar announced that the appellate court, which usually has a threemember panel of judges, had only two members available, and therefore could not form a quorum.

He told Onnoghen’s lawyers led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) that the three appeals would be heard on a date to be communicated to the parties.

The panel presided by Justice Abdul Aboki refused Onnoghen’s application challenging the six-count charges of nondeclaration of asset brought against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

It therefore fixed the three outstanding appeals challenging the jurisdiction of the CCT to February 12.

Meanwhile, the National Judicial Council (NJC) is expected to receive briefing today on the findings of the panel set up to consider the responses of the suspended CJN and the acting CJN Tanko Mohammed over three petitions against them.

The NJC chaired by retired President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Abdullahi Umar at its last meeting on Monday gave Justice Onnoghen seven days to respond to a fresh petition against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).