The Code of Conduct Tribunal on Monday adjourned until January 22 the next hearing in the trial of Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen for alleged false asset declaration.
Mr Onnoghen faces six counts of failing to disclose many bank accounts linked to him as a judge on the Supreme Court, which he had allegedly used to save millions in local and foreign currency.
At the opening hearing today, Mr Onnoghen was absent, but he had a team of 47 senior lawyers, led by Wole Olanipekun, who represented him.
Wole Olanipekun SAN led the Defence, ready for trial of CJN Onnoghen.
The Prosecution wanted the trial to commence immediately and demanded to know why Chief Justice is absent and the Defendants Insisted the matter of jurisdiction be settled before the trial commences.
The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Danladi Umar says court has granted leave and Presents it to the court.
The Defendants says leave of proceeding for trial was not served on the defence team.
This led to Danladi clarifying the issues of service, saying even next door neighbor can be served. He then calls the registrar to clarify service, who confirmed that the summons was taken to Chief Justice residence who directed Secretary by name of Sunday to receive summons
The defendants argued that the summons must be served personally except in the case of an order by a court.
Danladi then asked if the defendants were implying Chief Justice is unaware of service
The Defendants, insisted Insisted the law is not concerned with awareness but with procedure and procedure was not followed
On the other hand, the prosecution Insisted the Chief Justice should obey summons and is free to protest but must obey the summons of the CCT as they alleged the defendant instructing his secretary to receive summons should be taken as receiving summons himself.
Danladi Umar proposed this week for adjournment when the Defendants cried out, saying the ’lightning speed is amazing’, and then proposed they will be available on 28th.
However, the Prosecution rejected the date, says trial has not commenced so 28th was too far.
After negotiations from both parties, Danladi Umar says Chief Justice will be reserved latest Wednesday and CCT should resume by Thursday. Wale Olanipekun vehemently opposed the date.
Danladi Umar gives in and changes the date to next Tuesday, wants all motion to be taken simultaneously