NJC makes U-turn on Onnoghen, Muhammad

The National Judicial Council on Wednesday abstained from considering
allegations relating to assets declaration that were levelled against
the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Walter Onnoghen.

National Judicial Council (NJC)

The decision is contained in a statement, issued by Mr Soji Oye, Director of Information, NJC.

Oye said the council took the decision at an Emergency Meeting to
consider the Report of the Five-Man Committee constituted to investigate
the allegations of misconduct made against Onnoghen and Justice Tanko
Muhammad.

“Council decided that the allegations relating to assets declaration
that were levelled against Onnoghen, were subjudice and therefore
abstained from considering them.

“Council reached a decision on the petitions written by Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission and others and conveyed its decision to
President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

“Council also resolved that, by the nature of the decision reached,
it would be inappropriate to publicise it before conveying it to
President,” Oye said in the statement.

NAN reports that on Feb 11, the council set up a preliminary
complaints assessment committee to review the responses given to it by
Onnoghen, and Muhammad who is acting in his stead.

Onnoghen is accused of failing to fully declare his assets, while Muhammad is facing allegations of misconduct.

The NJC said it reconvened and resolved to constitute into the
Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee in accordance with
Regulation 17 of the National Judicial Council Judicial Discipline
Regulations, 2017.