The Federal High Court of Nigeria on Monday assured that its Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, is cooperating with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in respect of his invitation to answer questions which bother on alleged false assets declaration.
His lawyer and former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN) has indicated his readiness to accompany Justice Tsoho to the CCB upon his return to Nigeria.
A statement by the Director of Information, Federal High Court of Nigeria, Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, said for scheduling purposes, the CCB has been informed that any date within the week commencing Monday, March 16 2026, is convenient for the Chief Judge and his counsel.
The statement reads, “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.
“This position has been duly communicated to the Code of Conduct Bureau, affirming the Chief Judge’s willingness to appear and participate in the process in full compliance with the law and established constitutional safeguards.
“For scheduling purposes, the Bureau has been informed that any date within the week commencing Monday, 16 March 2026, is convenient for the Honourable Chief Judge and his counsel.
“The Hon. Chief Judge reiterates his commitment to due process, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.”
Justice Tsoho’s planned appearance before the CCN follows allegations that he failed to declare several bank accounts as required by law, potentially breaching Nigeria’s Code of Conduct regime.
The report, based on documents and interviews, claimed that in an asset declaration submitted to the CCB on April 29, 2024, Justice Tsoho did not list at least three United Bank for Africa accounts and one Access Bank account in his name — omissions that, if proven, violate Section 15 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.
Under the law, public officers must declare all assets, liabilities and accounts, including domiciliary accounts.
False or incomplete declarations can attract sanctions, including removal from office, disqualification from public office for up to 10 years, and forfeiture of improperly declared assets.
The CCB’s invitation to Justice Tsoho was reportedly issued as part of the agency’s response to those findings, though officials have not publicly detailed the specific allegations.
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