The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal yesterday ordered the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, to halt further proceedings on the six-count charge the Federal Government slammed against the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The appellate court ruled that the CCT should temporarily hands-off the CJN’s case till January 30, which is the date it would deliver a judgement on the appeal filed against is by the CJN. This move has brought temporary relief to the CJN, pending the determination of the appeal case.
The government had in the six-count charge it lodged at the CCT, alleged that the CJN failed to declare his assets as stated in law, and he as well maintained domiciliary bank accounts, with foreign currencies such as dollars, pounds, and euros.
When the matter was called up at the appellate court, counsel to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, who led 18 other Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), traced the history of the case for the appellate court panel, while the Federal Government’s lawyer, Mr. Oyin Koleosho, urged the appellate court to dismiss the CJN’s application.
After it had listened to both sides, the appellate court panel adjouned for ruling, even as it ordered stay of proceedings at the CCT. “Ruling on this appeal is, hereby, adjourned till January 30. Meanwhile, the tribunal should suspend the proceeding before it, pending the ruling,” Justice Aboki held.