Hon. Mr. Justice W.S. Nkanu Onnoghen was born on the 22nd December, 1950 at Okurike Town, Biase L.G.A. of Cross Rivers State. He attended the Presbyterian Primary School, Okurike Town between 1959 and 1965. He later proceeded to Accra, Ghana to attend Odorgorno Secondary School, Adabraka, Accra, Ghana between 1967 and 1972 for his West African Examination Council (WAEC) Exams.

He was at Accra Academy, Accra Ghana between 1972 and 1974 for his WAEC (A-Levels) before proceeding to the University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana between 1974 and 1977 to obtain his Bachelor of Law Degree (LL.B (Hons)) and graduated with 2nd Class Upper Division. He attended the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos between 1977 and 1978 for his B.L certificate. His previous professional appointments/positions held include: Pupil State Counsel, Ministry of Justice, Ikeja, Lagos, Ogun State (1978 - 1979). Partner in the Law Firm of Effiom Ekong & Company, Calabar (1979 – 1988). Principal Partner/Head of Chamber of Walter Onnoghen & Associates, Calabar (1988 -1989).

High Court Judge, Cross Rivers State Judiciary (1989 - 1998)

Chairman, Cross Rivers State Armed Robbery and Fire Arms Tribunal (1990 - 1993)

Chairman, Judicial Enquiry into the Crisis between Student of the University of Calabar and Obufa Esuk Orok Community, Calabar (1996)

Chairman, Failed Bank Tribunal, Ibadan Zone (1998)

Judge, High Court of Rivers State (1992 - 2004)

Justice of the Court of Appeal (1998 – 2005)

A Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Hon. Justice W.S. Nkanu Onnoghen has attended several conferences and seminars around the world. He is a member of the Body of Bencher and Life Bencher.

Hon. Justice W.S. Nkanu Onnoghen was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (JSC) since 2005. He was sworn in as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on the 10 of November, 2016. On the 7th day of March, 2017, Hon. Justice W. S. N. Onnoghen, GCON was sworn in as the 16th Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Hon. Justice W. S. N. Onnoghen, GCON was also awarded the National Honours of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).

He is happily married with children.