The Code of Conduct Tribunal on Monday witnessed a little bit of drama.
The drama was Aliyu Umar, lead counsel of federal government in the trial of Walter Onnoghen, suspended chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), and one of his team members, Zainab Duke, and it occurred in the full glare of the tribunal.
An argument broke out shortly after they had entered into appearance in the case. It is unclear what led to argument but Umar was seen shouting at his team member, Duke.
Duke wanted to make an observation but Umar said: “Sit down, I am leading.”
At this point Danladi Umar, CCT chairman, intervened and asked what the problem was.
A police officer moved to give a microphone to Duke to speak but the senior advocate of Nigeria snatched the microphone.
Umar said: “She wants to address the tribunal but I have not given her permission to do that.”
Duke got up to explain to the CCT chairman but she was not audible.
Thereafter, Umar, who is the lead counsel to the federal government applied that her name be removed from appearance.
“I want to apply that her name be withdrawn from appearance,” he said.
Ruling on the application, the CCT chairman said Duke should “take her leave or take her seat at the back bench.”
She walked out of the tribunal after Umar’s ruling. Both prosecution and defence adopted their addresses after which a date for judgement will be fixed.
