It is more trouble for the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, as the National Judicial Council, NJC, on Monday, ordered him to respond to a fresh petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, lodged against him.
The suspended CJN was handed seven days to respond to allegations the EFCC raised against him.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Council’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, the committee is to report back to the council on Wednesday, February 13.
The statement reads in part, “the National Judicial Council reconvened today in an Emergency Meeting to consider the responses of Hon. Mr Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen, GCON and Hon. Mr Justice I.T. Muhammad, CFR to the three petitions written against them.
“Members resolved to constitute into the Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee in accordance with Regulation 17 of the National Judicial Council Judicial Discipline Regulations, 2017 and report to Council on the 13th of February 2019.
“The Council will reconvene on Wednesday, 13th February 2019.
“Council also received a new petition written by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Hon. Mr Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen, GCON and forwarded it to him for his response within seven (7) working days.
“Council reaffirmed its confidence in Hon. Mr Justice Umaru Abdullahi, CON and continues under his Interim Chairmanship.”
