FG, Onnoghen to Reach Out-of-Court Settlement

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has approved the request from the Federal Government and former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen, to settle an appeal regarding his removal from office, out of court.

This decision was reached after both parties intensified efforts to amicably resolve the ongoing dispute which started in 2019, after former President Muhammadu Buhari dismissed Onnoghen, while he faced charges at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Dr Ogwu Onoja, SAN, Counsel for Onnoghen, informed the three-member panel that discussions aimed at a peaceful resolution were ongoing. He noted that engagements had taken place as recently as Wednesday, and expressed confidence in a positive outcome.

Onoja requested a one-month adjournment to finalise the settlement. Tijani Gazali, representing the Federal Government, supported this request, affirming their intention to resolve the matter amicably.

Presiding Justice, J. O. Oyewole, JCA, directed the parties to prepare a documented settlement for the court’s approval once an agreement is reached. He emphasised that the terms must be filed, before the next hearing.

The court has adjourned the case until November 4, for both parties to return with their proposed terms.

In 2019, Onnoghen was convicted by the Federal Government for false asset declaration at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, resulting in his removal from office and the forfeiture of undeclared assets. Dissatisfied with the Tribunal’s ruling, Onnoghen is appealing the decision that led to his ousting and the forfeiture of his bank accounts.