- The Court of Appeal has allowed the Federal Government and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, to pursue an out-of-court settlement
- Both parties are currently in discussions aimed at resolving the dispute over Onnoghen's removal
- The court has set November 4 for the parties to submit the terms of their settlement for judicial approval
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has granted permission for the Federal Government and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, to pursue an out-of-court settlement regarding his controversial removal from office.
This decision comes as both parties engage in discussions to resolve the appeal challenging Onnoghen's dismissal.
During the hearing, Dr. Ogwu Onoja, lead counsel for Onnoghen, informed the three-member panel that negotiations had been ongoing until September 18 and expressed optimism for a positive outcome.
He requested a one-month adjournment to allow time for the finalization of the settlement discussions.
The government's lawyer, Tijani Gazali, supported Onoja's request, affirming the intention to resolve the matter amicably. Presiding Justice J. O. Oyewole instructed both parties to prepare and document the terms of their settlement, to be filed before the next court date.
The case stems from Onnoghen’s removal in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, following allegations of false asset declaration.
The Code of Conduct Tribunal had found him guilty, leading to forfeiture of undeclared assets and bank accounts.
The court has scheduled November 4 as the return date for both parties to present the terms of settlement for adoption.
Kekere-Ekun set to succeed Ariwoola, to become the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously wrote on Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo, popularly known as “Kudirat Kekere-Ekun,” would emerge as the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), succeeding Justice Kayode Ariwoola.
The first female CJN was Mariam Aloma Mukhtar. She spent 28 Months in office between July 2012 and November 2014.
Justice Kayode Ariwoola, the incumbent CJN, assumed office on June 27, 2022. However, the strict retirement age of 70 years mandated that he pass the baton to another person. He would bow out of office on Thursday, August 22, 2024.
