Godwin Tsa, Abuja
After 72 hours bed rest, the suspended Chief of Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, has returned to the Code of Conduct Tribunal where the Federal government opened its case against him.
Immediately the trial resumed with Justice Onnoghen seated in the dock, the prosecution led by Aliyu Umar, SAN, called its first witness, Mr James Opala.
Opala, Senior Investigation Officer of the Code of Conduct Bureau, is currently testifying against the suspended CJN.
Justice Onnoghen, who is standing trial on alleged non declaration of assets, had earlier on February 15 pleaded not guilty to the six-count charges.
On the last adjourned date, his lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, had produced a medical report indicating that Onnghen was suffering from toothache and high blood pressure, as a result of which he had been advised by his doctor to observe a bed rest for 72 hours.
The tribunal, led by its chairman, Danladi Umar, had then adjourned till Monday for the commencement of trial.
Details later