The Federal Government through the Nigerian Financial
Intelligence Unit has launched a probe into the salary account of
the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, dating back
to September 2005.
The probe predates the advent of the Bank Verification Number
initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria and is expected to expose
some alleged questionable deposits made into the account of the
embattled CJN.
A fact sheet from the NFIU to the Attorney-General of the
Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), stated that nearly N100m passed
through Onnoghen’s salary account with Union Bank Plc between
September 2005 and October 2016.
Onnoghen’s salary in 2005 was N240, 202 but rose to N751, 082.37
in February 2008. However, the funds in his account were said to
have surpassed his salary.
The document read in part, “His salary in 2005 was N240, 202. 20
and it rose to N751, 082.37 in February 2008. The salary remains
within range till date.
“However, the turnover in the account from September 2005 to
October 2016 was N91, 962, 362.49.
“He did not spend from the salary account from March 2015 to
October 2016. The salary and allowances accumulated to N22, 520,
636.27 in October 2016 from N6, 132, 885.24 in March of the same
year.”
According to the NFIU, investigations showed that the funds
deposited in the account of the CJN are questionable and probably
proceeds of crime.
“From the investigations conducted so far, it is plausible that
the payments into the various accounts are bribes. This is because
the sources of inflows into his accounts other than the salary
account in Union Bank are unknown and probably fraudulent and the
nature of the transactions (including structured payments) are not
typical of the transactions of a public servant,” the statement
added.
The Federal Government had last week filed charges against
Onnoghen for allegedly failing to declare some assets before the
Code of Conduct Bureau.
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