BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
The National Industrial Court on Monday reinforced the restraining order against the Code of Conduct Tribunal from proceeding with the trial of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen over alleged non asset declaration.
The reinforcement of the order followed an exparte application moved by the claimant’s counsel, James Igwe (SAN) who said there was difficulty in serving the CCT Chairman, Justice Danladi Umar, the court’s papers personally.
The NIC had earlier on January 15 gave a restraining order against the CCT from proceeding with the trial before adjourning till January 22 for the hearing of motion on notice.
The only defendant at the hearing on Monday was the National Judicial Council represented by Dr. Garba Tetengi (SAN).
CJN, Onnoghen is facing six charges of false assets declaration filed against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB.
The judge, Justice Sanusi Kado, ordered that the processes and interim order be served on the tribunal’s chairman through substituted means.
He equally ordered that notice should be placed on the wall of the tribunal’s office.
He held that hearing notices should be served on all parties.
Joined as co-defendants in the suit are Code of Court Bureau, CCB, CCT chairman, Danladi Umar; Attorney General of the Federation and The National Judicial Commission.
Others are The Federal Judicial Service Commission, the Inspector General of Police, the Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and National Judicial Council.
The judge adjourned the matter to January 30, 2019 for hearing of motion on notice of the interlocutory injunction in the substantive suit.