Onnoghen: Acting CJN’s lawyer protests non-service of papers

The counsel to the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad has appeared before an Abuja Federal High Court over the suit challenging the removal of former CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen. Acting CJN’s lawyer, A.O. Ajana, however told the court that he appeared ‘in protest’ over the inability of the plaintiffs to serve him […]

The counsel to the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad has appeared before an Abuja Federal High Court over the suit challenging the removal of former CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

Acting CJN’s lawyer, A.O. Ajana, however told the court that he appeared ‘in protest’ over the inability of the plaintiffs to serve him the court processes as directed by the court.

Justice Inyang Ekwo had on May 3 ordered the service of the papers on President Muhammadu Buhari, the acting CJN, and others to enable them appear to show the reason why the order restraining them from confirming the acting CJN as substantive CJN should not be given.

Also, Elizabeth Jonathan represented the NJC, while Sani Sule represented the FJSC.

But President Buhari, the Attorney General of the Federation and the Senate were absent in court and were also not represented.

A civil rights lawyer, Malcolm Omirhobo of the Omirhobo Foundation had brought an ex-parte application seeking an order of the court to restrain President Muhammadu Buhari and others from initiating the confirmation of the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammad.

 

Details later…