Onnoghen’s trial: SANs call for due process, respect for constitution

The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) has commented on the trial of Walter Onnoghen, chief justice of Nigeria.

In a communique issued on Saturday, BOSAN called for respect of the constitution, rule of law, separation of powers due process and the proper administration of justice.

“The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria deplores the situation that has arisen from the preferment of charges against the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the head of the Nigeria Judiciary before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT),” the communique read.

“In the prevailing circumstances, all parties are urged to consider the impact of their respective actions on the administration of justice in Nigeria and public confidence in our institutions.

“The Body recognizes that the matter is sub judice (before the CCT and other courts) and it is therefore not appropriate to comment on the merit or otherwise of any of the cases.”

The senior advocates said the issue must be resolved carefully and responsibly in the interest of the legal profession and the nation.

CCT has filed a six-count charge of false assets declaration against Onnoghen after a petition by the Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative (ARDI).

Although the national industrial court in Abuja had given a restraining order from arresting Onnoghen, the government had asked to freeze his accounts.