Federal High Court says Justice Tsoho will appear before CCB over alleged false assets declaration.
The Federal High Court of Nigeria on Monday confirmed that its Chief Judge, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, is cooperating with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) following an invitation to answer questions regarding alleged false assets declaration.
The court disclosed that although Justice Tsoho is currently outside Nigeria for medical reasons, he has engaged former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN), as his legal representative.
In a statement issued by the Director of Information of the Federal High Court, Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, the court affirmed the Chief Judge’s commitment to complying with the Bureau’s invitation.
“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,” the statement read.
It added that in line with his constitutional right to legal representation, Agabi has indicated readiness to accompany the Chief Judge to the Bureau upon his return to Nigeria.
“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 statement noted.
Justice Tsoho’s planned appearance follows allegations that he failed to declare several bank accounts as required under Nigeria’s asset declaration laws.
According to reports, in an asset declaration submitted to the CCB on April 29, 2024, the Chief Judge allegedly did not list at least three United Bank for Africa accounts and one Access Bank account in his name.
If established, such omissions could amount to a violation of Section 15 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, which mandates public officers to declare all assets, liabilities and accounts, including domiciliary accounts.
Under the law, false or incomplete declarations may attract sanctions ranging from removal from office and disqualification from holding public office for up to 10 years, to forfeiture of improperly declared assets.
While the CCB has not publicly detailed the specific allegations, the invitation to the Chief Judge is understood to be part of the Bureau’s response to the reported findings.
Justice Tsoho, through the court’s statement, reiterated his commitment to due process, transparency and respect for the rule of law.
