NJC asks Onnoghen to reply EFCC in seven days

THE National Judicial Council (NJC) has asked suspended Chief Justice of Nigerian, Justice Walter Onnoghen to respond to a new petition written to it by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission.

The NJC also resolved to constitute into the Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee in accordance with Regulation 17 of the National Judicial Council Judicial Discipline Regulations of 2017.

These were parts of the NJC recommendations following an emergency meeting held on Monday to consider the responses of Onnoghen and Acting CJN Justice Tanko Muhammad to the three petitions written against them.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Council’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, the committee is to report back to the council on Wednesday, February 13.

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The statement reads in part, “the National Judicial Council reconvened today in an Emergency Meeting to consider the responses of Hon. Mr Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen, GCON and Hon. Mr Justice I.T. Muhammad, CFR to the three petitions written against them.

“Members resolved to constitute into the Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee in accordance with Regulation 17 of the National Judicial Council Judicial Discipline Regulations, 2017 and report to Council on the 13^th of February 2019.

“The Council will reconvene on Wednesday, 13th February 2019.

“Council also received a new petition written by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Hon. Mr Justice W.S.N. Onnoghen, GCON and forwarded it to him for his response within seven (7) working days.

“Council reaffirmed its confidence in Hon. Mr Justice Umaru Abdullahi, CON and continues under his Interim Chairmanship.”