FG applies for arrest warrant against Onnoghen

The Federal Government has asked the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to issue a warrant of arrest against the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen.

At the resumption of proceedings today prosecution counsel, Aliyu Umar (SAN) said the defendant is not in court. “Under the circumstances, it is my sad duty to address the tribunal on S6(1) of the Practice Direction of the tribunal.

“I hereby humbly apply for a warrant of arrest against the defendant,” he said.

Justice Walter Onnoghen‘s lawyer pleaded with the court not to accept the application.

Senior lawyers have reacted to this latest developments.

Olisa Agbakogba took to his Twitter handle

“I am shocked that the CCT will issue a Bench warrant for the arrest of Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen, knowing full well that its jurisdiction to try the case has been challenged and the Application on the challenge is on the CCT docket, and no hearing has occurred.”

“The CCT is aware that there is now before the NJC, a petition against #Onnoghen on exactly the same charges at the CCT. The CCT ought to await the outcome of the pending matters in the NJC, Appeal Court and FHC. The conduct of the CCT subverts the Rule of Law & due process.”