The Abuja division of the Court of Appeal has endorsed ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, to reach an out-of-court settlement regarding his controversial removal from office.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Dr. James Onoja, SAN, lead counsel for Onnoghen, informed a three-member panel that discussions aimed at resolving the dispute have been ongoing. He expressed optimism for a successful outcome and requested a one-month adjournment to finalize the settlement.
Tijani Gazali, SAN, representing the federal government, confirmed the intent to settle the matter amicably, agreeing with Onoja’s request for an adjournment.
Justice J. O. Oyewole, who presided over the session, instructed both parties to document their settlement terms for the court’s approval. He scheduled a return date for November 4.
Onnoghen was removed from office in 2019 following a conviction for false declaration of assets by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). He is seeking to have the tribunal’s judgment overturned and the forfeiture of his bank accounts rescinded. Notably, Onnoghen did not attend the court session on Thursday.
