The Court of Appeal in Abuja has acquitted former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, of false asset declaration charges.
This ruling overturns his 2019 conviction by the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Onnoghen was convicted on April 18, 2019, by the Umar Yakubu Danladi tribunal. However, the Appellate Court has now reversed this decision following the resolution of the issues that led to his trial and conviction.
Justice Abba Bello Mohammed’s judgment was based on the terms of settlement adopted by the federal government and Onnoghen. The court ordered the return of Onnoghen’s four bank accounts, previously forfeited.
Onnoghen’s lawyers, Adegboyega Awomolo and Ogwu James Onoja, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation for ensuring the resolution of the issue. They stated, “We are grateful to President Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation for ensuring the resolution of the issue.”
This development brings closure to Onnoghen’s lengthy legal battle, reinstating his reputation as a respected jurist.
