Breaking: Justice Onnoghen’s asset declaration trial adjourned

The Code of Conduct Tribunal has adjourned the next hearing in the trial of Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen until January 22, 2019.

National daily had earlier reported that the CJN will be tried for alleged false asset declaration.

Onnoghen faces six counts of failing to disclose many bank accounts linked to him as a judge on the Supreme Court, which he had allegedly used to save millions in local and foreign currency.

At the opening hearing today, Mr Onnoghen was absent, but he had a team of 47 senior lawyers, led by Wole Olanipekun, who represented him.

Five out of six South-South governors also joined opposition voices to prevail on Mr Onnoghen not to appear before the tribunal.

It was not immediately clear whether Mr Onnoghen’s absence was in compliance with the advice, which came amidst allegations that the proceeding was vindictive and anti-democratic.

It was reported that after initial disagreement about whether or not Mr Onnoghen must appear to be docked before the court, between prosecution and defence teams, the tribunal chairman, Danladi Umar, said the top judge must appear for trial.