The suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Walter Onnoghen, on Wednesday, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Abuja, closed his defence in his ongoing trial on the charges bordering on assets declaration breaches, after calling his driver of 20 years as his first witness.
Lead counsel to Onnoghen, Chris Uche, SAN, told the court that after taking a deep consideration, the defence closes its case.
“Pursuant to paragraph 14 of the Practice Direction of the CCT, we will be applying to file our final written addresses.’’
Uche asked the court give the counsel in the matter 14 days within which to file in their written addresses. He also applied to be obliged with the proceedings before the tribunal.
The prosecution led by Aliyu Umar, SAN, also prayed the court to be accord counsel enough time in order to file their own written address.
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“Because time for filing of written address is not expressively provided for in the Practice Direction, that makes it a matter of discretion of the court,’’ Umar said.
However, the Chairman of the tribunal, Danladi Umar said that the tribunal has given the defence three working days, from April 4 to April 8 file their address.
The Chairman said the prosecution should file their address from April 9 to April 11.
He further adjourned the case until April for adoption of written addresses.
The suspended CJN is facing a six-count criminal charge bordering on non declaration of assets.
He had filed a no case submission at the end of the prosecution’s case which was thrown out by the tribunal.
He called two witnesses for his defence, his 60-year-old driver, Lawal Busari and a director at the Code of Conduct Bureau, Mrs. Theresa Nwafor.
NAN
