The Court of Appeal in Abuja has granted the request of the Federal Government and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, to settle out of court an appeal concerning Onnoghen’s removal from office.
The court’s decision came after both parties indicated they were working towards an amicable resolution.
In 2019, former President Muhammadu Buhari removed Onnoghen as Chief Justice while he faced charges at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
At Thursday’s hearing, Dr. Ogwu Onoja, SAN, representing Onnoghen, informed the three-member panel that discussions between the parties were ongoing and hopeful for a resolution. Onoja requested a one-month adjournment for finalizing the settlement.
Federal Government’s counsel, Tijani Gazali, confirmed the effort towards an out-of-court settlement and supported the adjournment request.
Justice J. O. Oyewole, who presided over the case, directed that the agreed terms of settlement be filed before the adjourned date. The court has scheduled November 4 as the return date for the parties to present the settlement terms.