Assets declaration: Illness stalls Onnoghen’s trial at CCT


The trial of the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, was Tuesday, adjourned following Onnoghen’s absence on health grounds.

Onnoghen is standing trial on a six-count charge bordering on failure to declare some of his assets as required by law for public office holders.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been admitted to bail on self recognizance.

However, at the resumed hearing Tuesday, Onnoghen was absent in court for the trial.

His lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), told the tribunal that Onnoghen’s absence was due illness occasioned by tooth-ache and sudden rise in blood pressure which was said to be around 210/121.

Meanwhile, a medical report from Ideal Medical Services, Abuja where the defendant was said to have been treated was tender by the senior counsel.

The medical report signed by one Dr Francis Uche, the Medical Director of the hospital, recommended among others that Onnoghen must observe 72 hours bed rest for his high blood pressure to be properly monitored.

Meanwhile, Counsel to the federal government, Aliyu Umar (SAN), has admitted being copied with the letter, saying that the issue of health is paramount in any human Endeavour.

Umar who brought his witnesses to court for trial proceeding however, had to concede to an adjournment on health ground.

He however applied that the trial be adjourned till March 18 to enable Onnoghen have sufficient rest as recommended by his doctor.

Granting the request, the tribunal chairman, Danladi Umar, agreed with the position of the prosecution and the medical report.

He thereafter ruled that the trial be adjourned to March 18

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