Nigeria’s Court of Appeal has overturned the conviction of former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, who was found guilty of false asset declaration by the Code of Conduct Tribunal in 2019. The appellate court’s decision was based on a settlement agreement between Onnoghen and the Federal Government, which was voluntarily entered into by both parties.
The settlement resolved issues surrounding Mr. Onnoghen’s trial and conviction, including the tribunal’s jurisdiction to try him without first reporting to the National Judicial Council. The court ordered the return of Onnoghen’s four bank accounts, previously forfeited as part of his conviction.
Key Points of the Settlement:
- Lack of Jurisdiction: The Code of Conduct Tribunal lacked jurisdiction to try Onnoghen without first resorting to the National Judicial Council.
- Voluntary Retirement: The tribunal lacked jurisdiction to convict Onnoghen after he tendered his voluntary retirement letter, accepted unconditionally by the President.
- Return of Assets: Onnoghen’s four bank accounts, previously forfeited, will be returned to him.
The Court of Appeal’s decision follows a request by both parties to settle the matter out of court, approved by the court on September 19, 2024. Former President Muhammadu Buhari had removed Onnoghen as Chief Justice in 2019 following the conviction.
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