Tension as NJC sends report on Onnoghen, acting CJN probe to Buhari

The National Judicial Council said‎ on Wednesday that it had concluded investigation on the petitions written against the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, and the Acting CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad.

‎A statement by the Director, Information of the NJC, Mr. Soji Oye, said the council had sent its report to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The council said it considered it inappropriate to share the report with the public before Buhari received it.

‎It, however, said it did not investigate the petition containing allegations relating to assets declaration levelled against Onnoghen.

It said it refrained from taking a decision on it because it was the subject matter of ongoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

‎The statement read, “The National Judicial Council reconvened today in an Emergency Meeting to consider the Report of the Five-Man Committee constituted to investigate the allegations of misconduct made against Hon. Mr. Justice W. S. N. Onnoghen, GCON and Hon. Mr. Justice I. T. Muhammad, CFR.

“Council decided that the allegations relating to assets declaration that were levelled against Hon. Mr. Justice W. S. N. Onnoghen, GCON were subjudice and therefore abstained from considering them.

“Council reached a decision on the petitions written by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and others and conveyed its decision to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

“Council also resolved that, by the nature of the decision reached, it would be inappropriate to publicise it before conveying it to Mr. President.”