The Court of Appeal in Abuja has acquitted former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, of his conviction for false asset declaration by the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Cyber Reporters reports that this comes after a six-year battle, which began when Onnoghen was removed from office by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, just 29 days before the presidential election.
The removal was widely criticized, with many viewing it as a coup against the judiciary.
Onnoghen’s suspension came shortly after he announced plans to inaugurate judges to preside over election petition tribunals.
The Nigerian Bar Association described the move as an attack on the judiciary.
Onnoghen was later convicted on a six-count corruption charge, but thanks to a settlement agreement between him and the federal government, the Court of Appeal has now overturned his conviction.
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It was gathered that President Bola Tinubu’s administration played a key role in facilitating this agreement.
As part of the settlement, the appellate court has ordered the federal government to unfreeze Onnoghen’s account with Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited.
This brings an end to Onnoghen’s long-standing legal battle.
