Highlight

Removal dispute: FG and ex-CJN Onnoghen opt for out-of-court settlement

371

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday granted the request of the Federal Government and the former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, to settle out of court in an appeal challenging his removal from office.

The court’s decision came after receiving information that the two parties involved in the lawsuit had strengthened their efforts to resolve all disputed issues through a “mutually beneficial agreement.”

Persecondnews recalls the contentious 2019 removal of Walter Onnoghen as CJN by former President Muhammadu Buhari, amid ongoing proceedings at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

He was convicted and ousted from office after being prosecuted and found guilty at the CCT for falsely declaring his assets.

Onnoghen was also made to forfeit the undeclared assets to the federal government.

Not satisfied with the judgement of CCT, he appealed, praying the Court to set aside the judgment that removed him from office and ordered the forfeiture of his five bank accounts.

During Thursday’s appeal proceedings, Dr. Ogwu Onoja (SAN), counsel to Onnoghen, notified the three-member Appeal Court panel that both parties were engaged in talks to resolve the dispute amicably.

He informed the court that the parties were engaged up until Wednesday and expressed optimism that the discussion would bear fruitful results.

He subsequently appealed to the appellate court for a one-month adjournment for final settlement of the matter.

Mr. Tijani Gazali, representing the federal government, concurred with Onoja’s proposal and asked the court to postpone the matter to explore the possibility of an amicable resolution.

He said: “My Lords, I wish to humbly confirm the information. It is our position to settle the matter out of court.”

Justice J. O. Oyewole instructed the parties to submit the terms of their settlement once they’ve reached an agreement, which will then be adopted by the court.

Oyewole held that before the adjourned date, the court must document and file the terms of the settlement for it to adopt them as its judgment in the case.

He subsequently adjourned until Nov. 4 as the return date for the two parties.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Carjacking in FCT: Police recover Land Cruiser Prado after high-speed hot chase

In a swift response to a distress call, the Federal Capital Territory...

Just in: Abuja Court remands 109 alleged foreign hackers in prison

No fewer than 109 alleged foreign hackers, including females who attempted to...

Lagos, Abuja airports receive full NCAA certification

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport...

Day 3 of African Military Games: Nigerian Armed Forces Shine, Win 17 Medals

The Nigerian Armed Forces have made a remarkable impact at the ongoing...

FG raises N346bln at Nov. 2024 bond auction, reflecting strong investor interest

The Federal Government has successfully raised N346.155 billion at its November 2024...

Breaking: Supreme Court Nullifies National Lottery Act

The Supreme Court on Friday nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 enacted...

NNPC Ltd. hosts NSC boss, pledges support for revitalization of Nigerian football

In a significant move to boost Nigerian football, the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Nigerian youths essential to repositioning Africa, says VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth...

Just in: Simon Ekpa ‘ll be extradited to Nigeria to face charges – Defence Headquarters

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa,...

NPA’s CEO Dantsoho Makes History as First Nigerian Chairman of PMAWCA

In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian...

Save for rainy day, Federal Accountant General urges state govts, emphasizes transparency, accountability

In a bid to ensure financial stability during adverse situations and economic...

Sacked UNIZIK VC Odoh to Tinubu: You can’t fire me through press release

Sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), in Awka, Anambra State, Prof....

UBA to empower MSME’s with wealth management strategies at its ‘Built to Last’ series

As part of its commitment to deepen the growth and sustainability of...

Olopade assumes office as NSC DG, promises new lease of life for Nigerian sports

Bukola Olopade had assumed office as the Director General of the resuscitated...

Amid High Inflation Rate, IMF Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

International Monetary Fund (IMF) President Kristalina Georgieva and her team met with...

Nigeria’s Super Falcons Ajibade, Nnadozie, Nominated for 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the...

Just in: FG announces reshuffle of governing councils at FUOYE, Kogi varsity

The Federal Government has made changes to the governing councils of Federal...

Exclusive: Eguavoen Opens Up on Declining NFF Contract Extension, Reveals Reasons

Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, has revealed why he declined the Nigeria...

Boost for Nigeria’s Oil Production As NNPC’s Utapate Crude Grade Hits Global Oil Market

In a major boost for Nigeria’s crude oil production, revenue generation, and...

Just in: FG sacks varsity Pro-Chancellor for misconduct

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced the removal of...