The Chief Justice of Nigeria ( CJN ), Justice Walter Onnoghen did not attend today’s proceedings at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), scheduled for his arraignment on charges of non-declaration of assets.
Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who led a team of lawyers for the CJN, said he was not properly served with the tribunal’s summons.
He also said his client has filed an application, challenging the court’s jurisdiction. He asked that the application be taken without the CJN’s presence.
Aliyu Umar (SAN), who appeared for the complainant, argued that the information by the tribunal’s registrar that the CJN directed his Personal Assistant to accept the summons on his behalf was sufficient.
He, however, later suggested that the tribunal direct that a fresh service of the summons be effected personally on the CJN, a suggestion accepted by all.
Tribunal’s Chairman, Danladi Umar ordered fresh service on the CJN and adjourned to January 22 for the hearing of al pending applications.