The Court of Appeal in Abuja has granted permission for an out-of-court settlement between the Federal Government and former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Samuel Nkanu Walter Onnoghen, over his removal from office. The decision came during Thursday's proceedings after both parties indicated progress towards resolving their dispute amicably.
In 2019, former President Muhammadu Buhari removed Onnoghen from his position as CJN while charges were pending against him at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for false asset declaration. Onnoghen was found guilty by the CCT, leading to his removal and the forfeiture of some undeclared assets.
At Thursday’s session, Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, counsel for the former CJN, informed the three-judge panel that discussions between the parties had been ongoing, with a meeting held as recently as September 18. He expressed optimism that a final agreement could be reached soon and requested a one-month adjournment to finalize the settlement.
Federal Government lawyer Tijani Gazali confirmed Onoja’s submission and supported the move for an amicable resolution.
Presiding Judge Justice J.O. Oyewole directed that both parties should document and file the terms of the settlement before the next court date, set for November 4, 2024, for the court to adopt as its judgment.
Justice Onnoghen had appealed the CCT's decision, seeking to overturn the ruling that removed him from office and ordered the forfeiture of his five bank accounts.
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