Onnoghen absent as CCT trial resumes

Walter Onnoghen, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), was absent as the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) resumed his trial in Abuja on Tuesday.

Onnoghen is being tried for alleged false declaration of assets.

He was absent when the proceedings commenced last week but his counsel argued he had not been served summons to appear in court.

He was subsequently served summons days after, although an FCT high court had already ruled against his trial.

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) on Monday called on the federal government to retrace its steps over the court process.

The association, in a statement signed by Paul Usoro, its president, said dues process must be followed and rule of law upheld.

The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) had also called for respect of the constitution, separation of powers and the proper administration of justice.

Although the National Industrial Court in Abuja had given an order restraining the arrest of Onnoghen, the government had asked that his accounts be frozen.