Nigeria chief justice fails to show up for own court case

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari looks on during a joint news conference with Cameroon's President Paul Biya in Abuja, Nigeria, May 4, 2016. Photo/REUTERS
Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari looks on during a joint news conference with Cameroon's President Paul Biya in Abuja, Nigeria, May 4, 2016. Photo/REUTERS

The planned arraignment and prosecution of Nigeria's chief justice could not go ahead because he did not show up for the court case against him.

The courtroom was full this morning, as people waited to see Justice Walter Onnoghen attend his code of conduct tribunal.

He is accused of failing to declare his assets before taking office in 2017.

Justice Onnoghen is quoted as saying that the problem arose from an administrative error.

Lawyers representing Justice Onnoghen are contesting the powers of the tribunal to process the case.

They say due process has not been followed in bringing charges against the judge.

Forty-five senior Lawyers and over 100 junior lawyers were in court to defend the chief justice.

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