The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Friday discharged the bench warrant issued against the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mr. Walter Onnoghen and granted him bail on self-recognition.
Onnoghen is facing a six-count charge for alleged non-declaration of assets.
The CCT chairman, Danladi Umar, said in his ruling that since he voluntarily submitted himself, the bench warrant was no longer necessary.
However, he said the order of arrest was withdrawn on the condition that the suspended CJN would continue to be present in court throughout the period of his trial.
Onnoghen, who stood in the dock all through hour-long proceedings, pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge on which he was arraigned.
Following his not guilty plea, his lawyer, Chief Chris Uche, asked that his client be granted bail on self-recognition.
The CCT obliged following which Uche applied to the tribunal to adjourn to a date after the general elections.
Counsel to the federal government, Mr. Ibrahim Musa, did not oppose the application.
Consequently, the CCT chairman adjourned till March 11 for hearing of all the pending applications.
