In a landmark ruling, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has acquitted Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, of his conviction for false asset declaration. This decision overturns the previous ruling made by the Code of Conduct Tribunal on April 18, 2019, which found Onnoghen guilty of failing to declare certain assets.
Walter Onnoghen, who served as Chief Justice from 2017 until his suspension in January 2019, faced serious allegations of corrupt practices related to his asset declarations. The initial conviction stemmed from claims that he had not fully disclosed his bank accounts and other assets, which the tribunal deemed a violation of Nigeria’s Code of Conduct for public officials. As a result, he was sentenced to a ban from holding public office and his assets were ordered to be forfeited.
Following the conviction, Onnoghen’s legal team filed an appeal, arguing that the tribunal’s decision was unjust and based on a flawed process. The appeal highlighted issues related to the fairness of the trial and the evidence presented against him. After thorough consideration, the Appellate Court concluded that the matters leading to Onnoghen’s conviction were resolved through a settlement between Onnoghen and the federal government.
Justice Abba Bello Mohammed delivered the judgment, which emphasized the importance of due process in legal proceedings. The court’s ruling included the return of the four bank accounts that were previously ordered to be forfeited. This decision is seen as a significant affirmation of Onnoghen’s rights and an important precedent for the integrity of the judicial process in Nigeria.
In his statement, Justice Mohammed remarked on the necessity for fair trials and the protection of individual rights within the legal framework. The court’s ruling sends a strong message about the need for accountability and transparency in judicial proceedings.
Onnoghen’s legal representatives, Senior Advocates of Nigeria Adegboyega Awomolo and Ogwu James Onoja, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation for their roles in facilitating a resolution. They underscored the significance of the ruling in restoring Onnoghen’s dignity and public trust in the judicial system.
In response to the court’s decision, Onnoghen himself expressed relief and gratitude for the support he received throughout the legal process. He emphasized the importance of justice being served and his commitment to upholding the rule of law in Nigeria.
The acquittal of Onnoghen is poised to have far-reaching implications for the Nigerian legal landscape. It raises questions about the conduct of trials involving public figures and the role of the judiciary in maintaining fairness. Legal experts anticipate that this ruling may influence future cases of similar nature and could potentially lead to reforms aimed at ensuring transparency in judicial processes.
