The Court of Appeal in Abuja has discharged former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Onnoghen from charges that led to his suspension in 2019. His removal occurred under former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, just weeks before the 2019 presidential election, with Justice Tanko Muhammad subsequently appointed as CJN.
The recent decision followed President Bola Tinubu's directive, issued through Attorney-General Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, requesting a halt to further hearings on appeals filed by Onnoghen challenging his removal, conviction, and the freezing of his assets. In line with an agreement dated October 24, the court also instructed the Federal Government to unfreeze Onnoghen’s account with Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited.
This judgment brings closure to Onnoghen’s legal battles over his controversial suspension and subsequent legal challenges concerning his position and assets.
