Onnoghen Given Ultimatum To Respond To Query Letters

The National Judicial Council, NJC, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen; and the Acting CJN, Justice Tanko Mohammed to respond to letters of query given to them.

The NJC met on Tuesday to deliberate on the suspension of Onnonghen and his replacement by Mohammed. Onnoghen was asked to respond to allegations levelled against him, especially why he failed to declare all his assets, as stipulated by law.

The Acting CJN, Mohammed, was also asked to explain why he allowed himself to be sworn-in by President Muhammadu Buhari without the recommendation of the Council, as stipulated by the Constitution.

If the two judges are punished with dismissal, the third most senior Supreme Court Judge, Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour of Lagos State, will replace them.