The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria Justice John Tsoho has said he is ready to cooperate with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over his asset declaration form.
The position was contained in a statement issued on Monday by Catherine Christopher, Director of Information for the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
The statement said the Chief Judge remains “fully committed to cooperating with the Code of Conduct Bureau in respect of its invitation.”
Justice Tsoho’s lawyer Kanu Agabi, who is currently outside the country for medical reasons, has indicated he is ready to accompany the Chief Judge to the bureau upon his return.
“The Federal High Court of Nigeria wishes to clarify that the Honourable Chief Judge, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, remains fully committed to cooperating with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in respect of its invitation. In accordance with his constitutional right to consult and be represented by counsel of his choice, his legal representative, Kanu Godwin Agabi, CON, SAN, has indicated his readiness to accompany the Honourable Chief Judge to the Bureau upon his return to Nigeria, he being presently outside the country for medical reasons.”
The CCB has been informed that any date in the week starting Monday, March 16, would be convenient for Justice Tsoho and his counsel.
The development follows a report by Premium Times that the CCB had summoned Justice Tsoho to explain why several bank accounts were allegedly not included in his asset declaration.
Documents reviewed by the platform indicate the accounts reportedly omitted include three domiciled with United Bank for Africa and one with Access Bank.
Under the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, public officers must declare all assets when assuming office and at specified intervals.
Failure to do so may result in referral to the Code of Conduct Tribunal, which can order removal from office, disqualification from holding public office for up to 10 years and forfeiture of undeclared assets.
Decisions of the tribunal can be appealed to the Court of Appeal.
The statement emphasised that Justice Tsoho will appear in line with due process, transparency and the rule of law.
Justice John Tsoho was sworn in as a judge of the Federal High Court on November 12, 1998 and became Chief Judge on December 13, 2019.
He is a member of the National Judicial Council, which oversees judicial officers and manages funds for the judiciary.
The case comes nearly two years after the Court of Appeal in Abuja discharged and acquitted former Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Walter Onnoghen of non-declaration of assets, citing lack of jurisdiction by the tribunal and acceptance of his voluntary retirement.
Justice Tsoho has previously faced scrutiny over administrative decisions, including a 2023 case involving former Central Bank governor Godwin Emefiele and a 2024 receivership case.
Civil society group Opposition Watch Nigeria has urged the CCB and NJC to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations against him.
