The Court of Appeal in Abuja has granted approval for the Federal Government and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, to engage in discussions to resolve the appeal concerning his removal from office.
During the recent hearing, Onnoghen’s lead counsel, Dr. Ogwu Onoja, informed the three-member panel that both parties are actively negotiating a peaceful resolution. Onoja noted that discussions continued until September 18 and expressed optimism about reaching a satisfactory conclusion. He requested a one-month adjournment to allow for the completion of these negotiations.
In support of the request, Tijani Gazali, representing the Federal Government, confirmed that they are also in favor of an out-of-court settlement, urging the Court to defer the case for this purpose.
Justice J. O. Oyewole, who oversaw the proceedings, instructed both parties to prepare terms of settlement for approval once they are finalized. He mandated that these terms be documented and submitted before the next court date, scheduled for November 4.
Onnoghen was removed from his position by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 following a ruling by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, which found him guilty of asset declaration violations. As a result of his removal, Onnoghen was also ordered to forfeit undeclared assets and five bank accounts to the Federal Government.
