NJC sends recommendation on CJN Onnoghen to Buhari

The National Judicial Commission (NJC) on Wednesday concluded investigations and made decision on the allegations of misconduct against the suspended Chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, and the Acting Chief Justice, Justice Tanko Muhammad; the Council indicated that the resolutions and recommendations have been sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for action.

The NJC indicated that the decision was made at an emergency meeting on Wednesday to examine the report of the five-man committee set up to investigate the petitions against the two top judicial officers in the country.

Soji Oye, NJC Director of Information, in a statement on Wednesday, remarked that the Council’s recommendations are presently with President Buhari, who ordered the suspension of Onnoghen and appointed Muhammad as acting NJC.

“The National Judicial Council reconvened today in an Emergency Meeting to consider the Report of the Five-Man Committee constituted to investigate the allegations of misconduct made against Hon. Justice W. S. N. Onnoghen, GCON and Hon. Justice I. T. Muhammad CFR.

“Council decided that the allegations relating to assets declaration that were leveled against Hon. Justice W. S. N. Onnoghen, GCON were subjudice and therefore abstained from considering them.

“Council reached a decision on the petitions written by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and others and conveyed its decision to President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR,” Oye declared.

The NJC Secretary remarked that it is “inappropriate to publicise it before conveying it to Mr. President.”