NJC to decide Onnoghen, Muhammad’s fate Wednesday

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has fixed February 13 for its possible decision on the petitioners against the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen and the Acting CJN, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad.

The body, which ended its emergency meeting this afternoon, elected to constitute a Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee in accordance with its Regulation 17, to consider the responses from Onnoghen and Muhammad.

The NJC, in a statement by its spokesman, Soji Oye, also forwarded a fresh petition from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Onnoghen to him for his response.

The statement reads: “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 a Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, in accordance with Regulation 17 of the National Judicial Council Judicial Discipline Regulations, 2017 and report to Council on the 13th 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.”