The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has confirmed receiving an invitation from the Code of Conduct Bureau and has indicated his readiness to appear before the agency.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Information of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Catherine Christopher, the court said the Chief Judge remained fully committed to cooperating with the bureau in respect of its invitation.
The statement clarified that Justice Tsoho would be accompanied by his legal representative, Kanu Agabi, SAN, who is currently outside the country for medical reasons.
According to the statement, the senior advocate has indicated his readiness to accompany the Chief Judge to the bureau upon his return to Nigeria.
“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.
“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.
The court further disclosed that the position had been communicated to the bureau, affirming the Chief Judge’s willingness to appear and participate in the process in full compliance with the law and established constitutional safeguards.
Christopher also stated that the bureau has been informed that any date within the week commencing Monday, March 16, 2026, would be convenient for the Chief Judge and his counsel.
“The Hon. Chief Judge reiterates his commitment to due process, transparency, and respect for the rule of law,” the statement added.
Justice Tsoho’s planned appearance before the bureau follows a Premium Times investigation that alleged the judge 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.