Walter Onnoghen, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, is reportedly absent at the Code of Conduct Tribunal sitting in Abuja.
Mr Onnoghen is accused for allegedly omitting to declare his assets and illegally operating five domiciliary accounts in various foreign currencies.
At the opening of the sitting, it was observed that the accused was not in the building.
However, some Senior Advocate of Nigeria, led by Wole Olanipekun, is standing defence for the judiciary chief.
“You have to first determine whether you have the jurisdiction to try this matter,” Mr Olanipekun reprtedly told CCT led by Danladi Umar.
Mr Olanipekun said Mr Onnoghen has not been indicted by the National Judicial Council as legally required of serving judges before his matter was picked up by the tribunal following a petition filed by a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Mr Olanipekun also said Mr Onnoghen was not given enough time to prepare for his arraignment before being summoned by the tribunal.
The federal government has been advised to withdraw the charges against the CJN. The government is yet to do so as at press time.
