The National Judicial Commission (NJC) has recommended Walter Onnoghen, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), for compulsory retirement.

After deliberating on the petition filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, members of the NJC unanimously agreed that Onnoghen has lost the moral authority to continue as CJN with the litany of allegations bordering on misconduct.

The NJC — which handles disciplinary issues of judicial officers — sat under the interim leadership of Umaru Abdullahi, former president of the court of appeal, who had to act because Onnoghen was already under suspension.

The council also concluded that Tanko Muhammad did not commit any offence by making himself available to be sworn in as acting CJN without the recommendation of the NJC.

These recommendations have been passed to President Muhammadu Buhari for approval, Soji Oye, the council’s director of information, informed the media on Wednesday, although he did not make the details public.

Buhari suspended Onnoghen on January 25, 2019 following an order made by the CCT. Recall how the Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative (ARDI), a civil society group, launched the legal move to remove Onnoghen.


The group had filed a petition against him at the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over alleged false declaration of assets.

The CCB is empowered by the constitution to investigate public officers, after which it would forward its findings to the appropriate body for trial if the allegations are confirmed.

It had listed a number of allegations against Onnoghen — notably false declaration of assets.

The council also concluded that Tanko Muhammad did not commit any offence by making himself available to be sworn in as acting CJN without the recommendation of the NJC.

SarkinYarki:
hahahaha like I predicted the presidency will hijack the report and leak it's version while Nigerians are asleep

SarkinYarki:


Just Imagine what the NJC is saying ..One of you colleagues dresses up and ruins to state house to get sworn in clear illegality yet you say he did nothing wrong ...The Judiciary has finally rubbished itself and no Nigerian should expect anything from them henceforth including Atiku

SarkinYarki:


Just Imagine what the NJC is saying ..One of you colleagues dresses up and ruins to state house to get sworn in clear illegality yet you say he did nothing wrong ...The Judiciary has finally rubbished itself and no Nigerian should expect anything from them henceforth including Atiku

Jolite:

Tell us little about the biafran law, since you are not convinced about the great nigeria NJC accurate system?

SarkinYarki:


I am A Northerner for your info

SarkinYarki:
hahahaha like I predicted the presidency will hijack the report and leak it's version while Nigerians are asleep

GavelSlam:

SarkinYarki:


What is shocking you Mr Man?

Growing up on a military barracks in Kafanchan hardly makes you a northerner.

SarkinYarki:


I am A Northerner for your info

Ratello:
While I await the next reaction of Onnoghen on this case, I still find it funny that NJC can stoop this low in delivering this type of watery judgment. What is going on with our judiciary for crying out loud. I am hopeful that Onnoghen will fight this ....he should definitely

kahal29:


Fight who? NJC? At this point justice Onnoghen should know is over him.

SarkinYarki:


Just Imagine what the NJC is saying ..One of you colleagues dresses up and ruins to state house to get sworn in clear illegality yet you say he did nothing wrong ...The Judiciary has finally rubbished itself and no Nigerian should expect anything from them henceforth including Atiku

kotv:


Are you surprised? Ever since APC took over, has anything worked right? Is their any organization which hasn't been rubbishes. Judiciary have rubbishes themselves, displayed so many daftness and embarrassment that this is not a surprise to me. Enough money and fear of EFCC would get them singing what APC wants.