Appeals Court Supports FG and Former CJN Onnoghen’s Efforts for Out-of-Court Settlement

The Abuja division of the Court of Appeal has endorsed ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, to reach an out-of-court settlement regarding his contentious removal from office.

This development follows submissions from both parties indicating that they are actively working towards an amicable resolution of the issues raised in the appeal.

Justice Onnoghen was removed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 after facing charges from the federal government at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

During Thursday’s hearing, Dr. James Onoja, SAN, lead counsel for Onnoghen, informed the three-member panel that discussions between the parties have been ongoing, with a meeting as recent as September 18. He expressed hope that these discussions would lead to a positive outcome.

Onoja requested a one-month adjournment to allow for final negotiations. Counsel for the federal government, Tijani Gazali, SAN, supported this request, affirming the intention to settle the matter amicably.

Justice J. O. Oyewole, who presided over the proceedings, instructed both parties to draft terms of settlement to be submitted for the court’s approval once agreed upon. He emphasized that these terms must be documented before the next court date.

The court has scheduled November 4 for the parties to return. Onnoghen was not present for this hearing, unlike the previous session on August 20.

In his appeal, Onnoghen seeks to overturn the Code of Conduct Tribunal’s judgment that led to his removal and the forfeiture of his five bank accounts.