The Court of Appeal in Abuja has agreed to the Federal Government’s proposal to settle out of court with former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, who contested his premature removal from office in 2019. The appellate court panel, headed by Justice Joseph Oyewole, has set November 19, 2024, as the deadline for the parties to present their settlement terms for potential adoption as the court’s judgment.
Justice Onnoghen, who served as the 21st CJN, was ousted from office in 2019 by the Code of Conduct Tribunal for failing to disclose his assets as a public official. Dissatisfied with the CCT’s ruling, Onnoghen appealed, with the case being scheduled for a hearing this year. The proceedings were adjourned to allow for discussions regarding an out-of-court resolution, as indicated by the Federal Government’s lawyer, Tijani Gazali (SAN).
During the recent court session, Onnoghen’s counsel, Dr. Ogwu Onoja, informed the panel that both parties were engaged in negotiations for a peaceful resolution. He expressed optimism about a positive outcome and requested a one-month adjournment to finalize the settlement. Gazali, representing the Federal Government, supported the request for an adjournment, confirming their intention to settle the matter outside of court.
Justice Oyewole instructed the parties to submit their agreed terms of settlement for adoption as the court’s judgment. Both sides were directed to document the terms and file them in court before the set return date of November 19.
In 2019, former President Muhammadu Buhari removed Justice Onnoghen from the position of CJN following allegations of false asset declaration, leading to his conviction by the Code of Conduct Tribunal and subsequent removal from office.