The Abuja division of the Court of Appeal approved the request of the federal government and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, to settle the appeal regarding his removal as CJN.
During the resumed hearing, Dr. Ogwu Onoja, the lead counsel for Onnoghen, informed the three-member panel that both parties were engaged in discussions aimed at a peaceful resolution. He noted that negotiations were ongoing as of September 18 and expressed optimism for a successful outcome, requesting a one-month adjournment to finalize the settlement.
Tijani Gazali, representing the federal government, supported Onoja’s request and also advocated for a postponement to facilitate an amicable resolution, stating, “My Lords, I wish to humbly confirm the information. It is our position to settle the matter out of court.”
Justice J. O. Oyewole, who presided over the hearing, directed both parties to prepare terms of settlement for adoption once an agreement is reached. He instructed them to document these terms and submit them before the adjourned date for the court’s approval as its judgment.
The court has set November 4 as the return date for both parties.
In 2019, former President Muhammadu Buhari removed Justice Onnoghen from his position as Chief Justice of Nigeria following a charge of false asset declaration. The Code of Conduct Tribunal found him guilty, leading to his removal and the forfeiture of undeclared assets to the federal government, as well as five bank accounts.
