Onnoghen: CCT Chair Risks Jail Over Contempt

Follow 9News Nigeria On Social Media

Social sharing

A show of power looms between the Federal High Court, Abuja and the Code of Code Tribunal (CCT) over the latter’s arraignment and trial of the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Nkanu Onnoghen. Onnoghen was docked by the CCT last Friday for non-declaration of assets, which also granted him bail on self-recognition.

But, the matter has taken a new development as a contempt charge has been filed against the CCT chairman, Mr. Danladi Umar, before the Federal High Court, Abuja over his trial of the suspended CJN.

The suit is at the instance of the incorporated trustees of the Centre for Justice and Peace Initiative which filed a notice of consequence of disobedience of court order against Umar.

According to the notice, the CCT chair allegedly disobeyed the order of Justice N. E, Maha of 14th January, 2019, which ruled that parties should maintain status quo until January 17.

The contempt charge reads: “That unless you obey the command/order contained in the order of Hon. Justice N. E. Maha of the Federal High Court dated 14th January, 2019 (which was duly served on you and copy thereof as attached to this notice), you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”

READ ALSO  Check Out Ten States In Nigeria That Borrowed From The CBN To Pay Salaries

Also, an affidavit of service, deposed to by the court bailiff, Mr. Bright Adesiyan, indicated that the order was duly served and received by one Friday Ebute.

While ruling on two separate ex-parte motions, Justice Maha ordered that the defendants should be served with all the papers filed and they should appear in court at the next hearing.

Maha, in his ruling, on the two suits, filed by incorporated trustees of the Centre for Justice and Peace Initiative, and the incorporated trustees of the International Association of Students Economists and Management, ordered the CCT to halt Onnoghen’s trial pending the determination of the matter before him.

One of the two suits marked FHC/ABJ/CS/27/2019, filed by incorporated trustees of the Centre for Justice and Peace Initiative, joined as defendants, the attorney-general of the federation and minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), Umar, the National Judicial Council (NJC), the acting IGP, Mohammed Adamu, and the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

Despite Federal High Court ruling, the tribunal proceeded with Onnoghen’s trial.

Umar and one other member held that the order of the Federal High Court and a similar order by the National Industrial Court were not binding on the tribunal and as such could not stop the CCT from carrying out its constitutional duties.

READ ALSO  PDP Moves To Suspend Members Who Worked Against Party’s Victory During 2023 General Election

“The issues before the two courts are hereby discountenanced and have no binding effect on the tribunal,” Umar said.

The third member of the tribunal, who gave a contradictory ruling, argued that the CCT is bound by the orders of the Federal High Court and the National Industrial Court.

Meanwhile, the contempt form (Form 48), which was dated 12th February, 2019 but filed on the 14th February has not been successfully served on the CCT chairman.

According to report, the CCT chairman is yet to accept service of the charge.

A source familiar with the matter noted that the plaintiff would approach the court for an order of substituted services.

“Since he appears to be dodging service, the plaintiffs may approach the court this week for an order to serve him the charge by substituted means,” he said.

Leave your comment on this post

THE ROTTEN FISH: CAN OF WORMS OPENED OF APC & TINUBU'S GOVERNMENT OVER NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

WATCH THE CRITICAL ANALYSIS AND KNOW THE RESPONSIBLE PARTIES TO BLAME FOR NIGERIA'S ECONOMIC CHALLENGES, WHILE CITIZENS ENDURE SEVERE HARDSHIPS.

Watch this episode of ISSUES IN THE NEWS on 9News Nigeria featuring Peter Obi's Special Adviser, Dr Katch Ononuju, 9News Nigeria Publisher, Obinna Ejianya and Tinubu Support Group Leader, McHezekiah Eherechi

READ ALSO  BREAKING!!! Nollywood Legend ,  Amaechi Muonagor Reportedly Dead (Photo)

The economic crisis and hardship in Nigeria are parts of the discussion.


Watch, leave your comments, and share to create more awareness on this issue.


#9NewsNigeria #Nigeria #issuesInTheNews #politics #tinubu THE ROTTEN FISH: CAN OF WORMS OPENED ...
DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS FOR SUBSEQUENT UPDATES
#9newsnigeria #economia #economy #nigeria #government @9newsng
www.9newsng.com

Leave your comment

Click on the link below or Scan the QR Code to join the 9News Nigeria WhatsApp Channel

9News Nigeria Investigative Reports WhatsApp Channel
9News Nigeria Investigative Reports WhatsApp Channel
About Wisdom Nwedene 11524 Articles
Wisdom Nwedene studied English Language at Ebonyi State University. He is a writer, an editor and has equally interviewed many top Nigerian Politicians and celebrities. For publication of your articles, press statements, contact him via email: nwedenewisdom@gmail.com

Be the first to comment

Leave your comment