Justice Tsoho Allegedly Shuns CCB Invitation Over Asset Declaration Allegations

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, on Monday allegedly failed to appear before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over allegations bordering on non-declaration of assets.

The development comes despite earlier indications that the judge would honour the invitation scheduled for March 16, 2026.

In a statement, the Director of Information of the Federal High Court, Catherine Christopher, said Justice Tsoho remained committed to cooperating with the bureau.

She explained that the Chief Judge had requested that his appearance be fixed for a convenient date within the week of March 16 to allow him attend with his legal counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN).

“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 statement read.

However, sources familiar with the matter who spoke with Sahara Reporters claimed that Justice Tsoho did not appear before the bureau after allegedly being advised against it by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

A source said, “The CJ did not go to the CCB on Monday as announced after he returned to Nigeria. Wike reportedly told him not to go. The minister told him that he will resolve the issue.”

The Chief Judge is facing allegations of failing to fully declare his assets, including multiple bank accounts.

A petition accused him of omitting three accounts with United Bank for Africa and another with Access Bank in his asset declaration submitted on April 29, 2024.

Such omissions, if proven, would constitute a violation of Section 15 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.

Under Nigerian law, public officers are required to declare all assets, liabilities and bank accounts.

Failure to comply could attract penalties including removal from office, forfeiture of undeclared assets, disqualification from holding public office for up to 10 years, and a possible prison term.

Justice Tsoho has denied the allegations, maintaining that he complied fully with asset declaration requirements.

Meanwhile, the controversy has deepened following reports that the judge’s wife was allegedly intercepted by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Sources who spoke with Sahara Reporters claimed she was stopped while travelling to Benue State and escorted back to Abuja, with $160,000 reportedly found in her possession.

The circumstances surrounding the funds and the purpose of the trip have yet to be officially clarified.

The Code of Conduct Bureau is yet to publicly outline the full details of the allegations against the Chief Judge.

However, if a prima facie case is established, the bureau may proceed to file charges before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.