CCT: Onnoghen Develops High BP, Absent; Court Adjourns

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has adjourned hearing in the case involving the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen following a report that he suffered high blood pressure and tooth ache.

CJN Onnoghen was unavoidably absent in court on Tuesday when his counsel, Mr. Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), told the tribunal that he was informed Monday night that Onnoghen has developed tooth-ache.

Consequently, Adegboyega tendered a medical report to support his claim.

Ruling, tribunal chairman, Danladi Umar adjourned the case to Monday, March 18 for hearing.

He said: “In view of the medical report, explaining the absence of the defendant in court and in consideration of the level of his blood pressure, and with the prosecution having agreed for an adjournment till Monday, the tribunal concedes to the adjournment of the matter to Monday, March 18 for hearing.”

Umar said he could not make any observation in view of what the doctor said about the blood pressure of the defendant, which was said to have risen to 410/121.

ElombahNews has on March 11 reported that the CCT chairman has ordered that proceedings in the trial of Onnoghen should now be conducted on a day-to-day basis.

The suspended CJN had attended proceedings on Monday when the tribunal ordered a day-to-day hearing in the case.

Justice Umar, in a bench ruling, relied on the provision of Section 296(3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to order a day-to-day proceedings in the case.

He was, however, forced to adjourn the proceeding following the latest development after Adegboyega had tendered a medical report.

Lead prosecution lawyer, Aliyu Umar (SAN), also confirmed receipt of a copy of the medical report, which was signed by one Dr. Francis Uche, the Medical Director of Ideal Medical Services.

Onnoghen is standing trial before the in relation to his alleged breach of code of conduct for public officers for allegedly failing to declare his assets.

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