Justice Onoghen was removed from his position as CJN in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari after being charged with false asset declaration.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Court of Appeal in Abuja has granted approval for an out-of-court settlement between the Federal Government and the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onoghen, regarding the appeal challenging his 2019 removal from office.
During a hearing on Thursday, lead counsel for Onoghen, Dr. Ogwu Onoja, informed a three-member panel of justices that both parties had been in ongoing discussions aimed at resolving the matter amicably. Onoja noted that talks had progressed up until Wednesday, September 18, expressing optimism about reaching a mutually beneficial outcome.
In response, Tijani Gazali, counsel for the Federal Government, confirmed the discussions and endorsed the request for a one-month adjournment to allow time for finalizing the settlement.
“My Lords, I humbly confirm the information. It is our position to settle the matter out of court,” Gazali stated.
Justice J. O. Oyewole, who presided over the session, directed both parties to document their agreed terms of settlement and file them before the court ahead of the next hearing. The court set November 4 as the date for the formal adoption of the settlement, should an agreement be reached.
Justice Onoghen was removed from his position as CJN in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari after being charged with false asset declaration.
The Code of Conduct Tribunal found him guilty, resulting in his removal from office and the forfeiture of his undeclared assets, including five bank accounts, to the Federal Government.
Join our Channel...