By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has confirmed receipt of an invitation from the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and has pledged his full cooperation, stating he will appear before the anti-graft agency upon the return of his legal counsel.
In a statement issued on Monday, the court sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding the Chief Judge’s response to the summons. The Director of Information for the Federal High Court, Catherine Christopher, explained that Justice Tsoho is constitutionally entitled to be represented by counsel of his choice. His chosen representative is the prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kanu Agabi.
According to the statement, Mr. Agabi is currently abroad receiving medical treatment. However, he has communicated his readiness to accompany the Chief Judge to the CCB as soon as he returns to the country.
“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 in respect of its invitation,” the statement read.
“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 court further disclosed that it has formally communicated this position to the CCB. To facilitate the process, the court has proposed that any date during the week commencing Monday, March 16, 2026, would be suitable for the Chief Judge and his counsel to appear.
“The Hon. Chief Judge reiterates his commitment to due process, transparency, and respect for the rule of law,” the statement added.
The CCB’s invitation follows an investigative report by Premium Times which alleged discrepancies in Justice Tsoho’s asset declaration. The report claimed that in a declaration submitted to the CCB on April 29, 2024, the Chief Judge failed to declare at least four bank accounts—three with United Bank for Africa (UBA) and one with Access Bank.
If these omissions are proven, they would constitute a violation of Section 15 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. This legislation mandates that all public officers must comprehensively declare their assets, liabilities, and bank accounts, including domiciliary accounts.
The CCB is empowered to investigate such allegations. A finding of false or incomplete declaration can lead to severe sanctions, including removal from office, a 10-year ban from holding public office, and the forfeiture of any assets linked to the undeclared accounts.
While the CCB has not publicly detailed the specific allegations against Justice Tsoho, the invitation is understood to be a direct response to the findings of the investigation.
