Nigeria's top judge in no-show for court case
Monday February 04 2019
Lawyers are pictured ahead of a hearing to consider whether a tribunal has the authority to try the country's top judge, Walter Onnoghen, on charges of failing to disclose his assets, in Abuja, Nigeria on January 30, 2019. PHOTO | REUTERS
The suspended chief justice of Nigeria has, for the third time, failed to turn up at a tribunal where he is due to answer charges that he failed to declare his assets.
Last month President Muhammadu Buhari suspended Walter Onnoghen over the allegations — a controversial decision which drew sharp criticism within Nigeria and from the US and the European Union.
The move was widely seen as political as Nigeria's most senior judge would play a key role in any disputes that arise from the general election.
Mr Onnoghen has been ordered to appear at the tribunal on 13 February — just three days before the vote.