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Controversies surrounding the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen and the swearing-in of Justice Tanko Mohammed as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria has takken another twist. In another twist, there were indications in Abuja on Saturday that the Federal Government had directed Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) that the accounts of more judges be placed on surveillance,newsmen gathered on Saturday night.
It was gathered that the plan by the government was aimed at identifying those believed to be corrupt in the judiciary and remove them from the system as the 2019 elections draw nearer.
Authoritative sources close to the government said the task of looking into the accounts might have been handed over to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
It was gathered that the same agency was asked to probe the salary account of the suspended CJN.
The agency launched the probe into his salary account from September 2005 to December 2018.
A very reliable source, who was part of those privy to the Onnoghen saga, said more judges might be affected when the NFIU would submit its report.
The source said, “The government is placing the accounts of more judges under watch. You will see what will happen soon. It is wrong to assume that Justice Onnoghen was being singled out for punishment.
“The government decided to start with him because of the sensitive position he is holding. That is what happened.
“Now, more judges are under scrutiny and I can tell you that majority of them may have questions to answer. The courts are the hope of the common man. If the courts are monetised or commercialised, what then is the hope for the country?
“Therefore, salary and other accounts of these judicial officers and that of their relations are being watched.
“Apart from that, their assets declaration forms are also been scrutinised. If there are those with undeclared assets, they will be made to answer questions.”
It was gathered that the plan by the government was aimed at identifying those believed to be corrupt in the judiciary and remove them from the system as the 2019 elections draw nearer.
Authoritative sources close to the government said the task of looking into the accounts might have been handed over to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
It was gathered that the same agency was asked to probe the salary account of the suspended CJN.
The agency launched the probe into his salary account from September 2005 to December 2018.
A very reliable source, who was part of those privy to the Onnoghen saga, said more judges might be affected when the NFIU would submit its report.
The source said, “The government is placing the accounts of more judges under watch. You will see what will happen soon. It is wrong to assume that Justice Onnoghen was being singled out for punishment.
“The government decided to start with him because of the sensitive position he is holding. That is what happened.
“Now, more judges are under scrutiny and I can tell you that majority of them may have questions to answer. The courts are the hope of the common man. If the courts are monetised or commercialised, what then is the hope for the country?
“Therefore, salary and other accounts of these judicial officers and that of their relations are being watched.
“Apart from that, their assets declaration forms are also been scrutinised. If there are those with undeclared assets, they will be made to answer questions.”
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