Nigeria’s Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen granted high court Justice Rota Ofili-Ajumogobia standing trial in Lagos for corruption charges to travel overseas for medical attention.
According to Saharareporters, a letter marked (CJN/PTA/A70/S./VOL.III/256) exclusively obtained by the whostleblower confirmed this.
Ofili-Ajumogobia was among the eight suspended judges the National Judicial Commission chaired by Onnoghen reinstated June 7, after eight months of suspension.
The letter, signed by Ohhoghen media adviser Anikpo Awasam Bassey, and dated March 31, 2017 was entitled “Re-Application For Permission To Travel Overseas For Urgent Medical Attention”, was the CJN’s reply to Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia’s request.
Her written request permission to travel was dated 13 March and routed through Justice Ibrahim, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.
Her letter was received on 31 March and the CJN gave permission the same day.
“May I please refer to your letter dated 13th March 2017, which was received on 31st March, 2017 on the above subject matter and to inform you that His Lordship, The Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, has given his approval for you to travel to the United States of America to see a consultant at Moms Heights Health Centre, Bronx, New York, from 13th April, 2017 to 26th April, 2017. His Lordship wishes you a happy and successful trip to New York, USA,” the letter read.
Justice O. Oshodi of the Lagos High Court had earlier rejected the request the suspected judges brought March 7 through her counsel Robert Clarke.
Justice Oshodi refused Ofili-Ajumogobia’s application on the ground that it challenged the court’s jurisdiction, and must be determined before other issues could be considered.
The same day the court also declined Obla’s an application to travel abroad for medical reasons.
“Whatever decisions made by the court in the matter must affect both parties since it is a joint trial,’’ said Justice Oshodi.
As a result, the accused judge sought a temporary withdrawal of the application challenging the jurisdiction of the court.