The Crest can authoritatively reveal that respite is far away from the embattled Chief Justice of the Federation, Water Onnoghen as Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) on Monday sent piles of incriminating documents relating to the assets traced to but not fully declared by the CJN to secure his formal suspension from office. The files were sent to the National Judicial Council (NJC) which sits in Abuja on Tuesday.
Impeccable source at the Ministry of Justice on Monday said the exhibits were sufficient enough to establish a prima facie case against Justice Onnoghen.
“The senior lawyers who have been defending the CJN would back-track tomorrow,” Our source said. “They will open mouths and will not be able to close them.
“The case of the Federal Government against the CJN is water tight.
“After the tribunal trial, he will still stand trial before regular court.”
Asked what the documents taken to the NJC were, the source said they included but not limited to various bank statements and title deeds of properties said to have been traced to him.
The figures involved are said to be in billions of naira and several millions of dollars — as well as dozens of houses.
“The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) is not pursuing the criminal aspect of the case against the CJN. That will be done at the regular court,” a senior official of the ministry said.
“There have been questions about the legality of Onnoghen’s suspension by the president, but section 11 of the Interpretations Act states clearly that he who has the power to appoint also has the power to discipline. We are convinced the president acted within the laws of the land.
“Nevertheless, the more serious criminal allegations have now been fully investigated.
“These allegations point to unexplained wealth. The relevant documents have been sent to the NJC so that the body can do its job and allow Onnoghen to face criminal prosecution.
“That is a completely different matter from the case of non-declaration of assets before the CCT.”
