Abuja - A tribunal on Friday charged
Nigeria's suspended chief judge for breaching asset declaration
rules but adjourned his trial until after Saturday's
presidential elections.
The government has come under criticism and accusations of
meddling in the judiciary after President Muhammadu Buhari last
month suspended Walter Onnoghen, raising fears of interference
in the elections.
The tribunal adjourned Onnoghen's trial to March 11.
Nigeria's chief judge has a key say in resolving electoral
disputes, and Onnoghen's suspension has led opponents of Buhari
to accuse him of interfering in the electoral process and of
showing regional and religious favouritism. The European Union
and the United States have also voiced concerns.
Saturday's vote is expected to be tight between Buhari and
Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president.
Onnoghen appeared before the code of conduct tribunal (CCT)
for the first time on Friday and pleaded not guilty to a
six-count charge including non-disclosure of his assets after he
became the chief judge.