The Federal High Court Abuja, has asked the Federal Government to put on hold plans to arraign the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
The Federal Government through the Code of Conduct Bureau filed six counts of non-declaration of assets charges against Onnoghen.
However, ruling on two separate ex parte applications on Monday, Justice N.E Maha, ordered parties to maintain status quo until Jan. 17.
“That in the meantime, parties shall maintain the status quo that exists as at today, Jan. 14, and shall not take any steps that will interfere with the res or subject matter of the suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
“That the defendants shall be served with all the processes filed in this suit and shall appear on Jan. 17 for the hearing of the motion on notice.”
One of the applications was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of International Association of Students Economists and Management, while the other application was filed by incorporated trustees of the Centre for Justice and Peace Initiative.
Those joined as defendants in the suit are; the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, the Chairman of CCT, Danladi Umar, and the National Judicial Council.
Others are the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, and the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.
The Incorporated Trustees of International Association of Students Economists and Management had in its application, asked for an interim injunction restraining the defendants from arresting, arraigning, prosecuting or trying the CJN pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed together with the ex parte application.
The suit has been adjourned until Jan. 17. (NAN)
