FG calls three out of six witnesses to close case against Justice Onnoghen

…As Defence team prepares to file no case submission

The Federal Government, Thursday closed its case against the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen who is facing a six-count charge of false and non-declaration of assets at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

Counsel to the federal government, Aliyu Umar, told the court on Thursday that the government was closing its case against Onnoghen despite having called only three out of six listed witnesses.

Mr Umar then requested to give the other three witnesses to the defence team.

“I have called three witnesses. If the defence needs them, I can call the other three,” Umar said.

In response, Onnoghen’s counsel, Adeboyega Awomolo, rejected the offer saying repeatedly: “I don’t want them.”

Mr Awomolo then informed the three-man panel led by Danladi Umar that the defence team intends to file a no-case submission.

No-case submission implies that the defence will contend that the prosecution failed to make a case against the defendant and that Onnoghen would not need to enter his defence.

“We intend to take advantage of section 303 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 on no-case submission. If your lordship permits me to write a written address, I’m praying to be given proceedings of 18th and today,” Awomolo said.

CCT chairman then ruled that Awomolo serve his address on the prosecution next Wednesday.

End

QED.ng