The Court of Appeal, Abuja, has approved the request by the Federal Government and former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, to settle their dispute out of court. The appeal in question challenges Onnoghen’s removal from office as CJN.
This development follows ongoing discussions between both parties to resolve the matter amicably. Justice Onnoghen was removed from office in 2019 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari during the pendency of charges against him at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
During Thursday’s proceedings, lead counsel for the former CJN, Ogwu Onoja, informed the court that efforts toward a peaceful resolution were underway. Onoja subsequently requested a one-month adjournment to allow time for the final settlement. Federal Government counsel Tijani Gazali corroborated Onoja’s statement, also supporting a postponement for the possible settlement.
Justice J. O. Oyewole, presiding over the case, directed that the terms of the settlement must be documented and filed with the court. He stated that the court would adopt these terms as its final judgement once an agreement is reached.
Justice Oyewole set the return date for November 4, during which both parties are expected to present their agreed terms of settlement.
Justice Onnoghen’s removal followed his 2019 prosecution by the Federal Government on charges of false declaration of assets at the CCT, where he was found guilty. He was subsequently removed from office and ordered to forfeit undeclared assets to the government.
Notably, unlike the previous August 20 proceedings, Onnoghen was not present in court during Thursday’s appeal hearing, in which he is asking the court to overturn the CCT’s decision that removed him from office and ordered the forfeiture of his five bank accounts.