The Court of Appeal in Abuja has granted approval for the federal government and former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, to negotiate a settlement in the appeal challenging his removal as CJN.
At the resumed hearing on the case, Dr. Ogwu Onoja, lead counsel for the former CJN, informed the three-member panel of justices that both parties were engaged in discussions aimed at resolving the dispute amicably. Onoja stated that the discussions had been ongoing and expressed optimism for a positive outcome. He requested a one-month adjournment to finalize the settlement terms.
Counsel for the federal government, Tijani Gazali, confirmed the ongoing talks and supported the request for adjournment, stating, “It is our position to settle the matter out of court.”
Justice J. O. Oyewole, who presided over the hearing, instructed both parties to document the terms of the settlement and file them before the next court date for adoption as the court’s judgment. The case was adjourned to November 4, 2024, for the formal presentation of the agreed terms.
Justice Onnoghen’s removal in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari followed his conviction by the Code of Conduct Tribunal on charges related to false asset declarations. As part of the judgment, Onnoghen was removed from office, and his undeclared assets, including five bank accounts, were forfeited to the federal government.
The settlement discussions mark a significant step towards resolving the legal dispute surrounding Onnoghen’s controversial removal, which had sparked widespread debate and raised questions about judicial independence in Nigeria.
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