Court of Appeal okays settlement talks in Onnoghen’s removal case

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has granted a request from the federal government and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, to pursue a settlement regarding Onnoghen’s appeal against his removal as CJN.

During the hearing, Dr. Ogwu Onoja, Onnoghen’s lead counsel, informed the three-member panel that both parties have engaged in discussions aimed at reaching an amicable resolution.

He expressed optimism that these talks, ongoing until September 18, would yield a positive outcome and requested a one-month adjournment to finalize the settlement.

The federal government, represented by lawyer Tijani Gazali, supported Onoja’s request, confirming their intention to resolve the matter outside of court.

Justice J. O. Oyewole, presiding over the session, directed both parties to document their terms of settlement for court approval and set November 4 as the date for their return.

Justice Onnoghen was removed from his position in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, following a conviction by the Code of Conduct Tribunal for false declaration of assets, which also led to the forfeiture of his undeclared assets and bank accounts to the federal government.