Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has summoned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, following an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES that revealed he failed to declare multiple bank accounts, in violation of the nation’s Code of Conduct law.
Sources within the CCB confirmed that Justice Tsoho has been asked to appear and answer questions regarding the undeclared accounts. He was initially expected on Friday but did not show up; officials now anticipate his appearance on Monday.
Documents and interviews indicate that in his April 29, 2024, asset declaration, Justice Tsoho omitted three United Bank for Africa accounts—3000087154, 3000201901, and 3000075689—as well as an Access Bank account, 1756816871.
The CCB, tasked with addressing conflicts of interest and abuse of office, requires all public officers to fully disclose assets, including bank accounts and holdings. Failure to comply can lead to severe sanctions, including removal from office.
Abdullahi Usman, CCB chairman, could not be reached for comment, but insiders say that if the allegations are verified, the matter will be referred to the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Under Section 15 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, false or incomplete declarations constitute a legal breach. The law also presumes any asset acquired without legitimate income or approval as unlawfully obtained unless proven otherwise.
A conviction by the CCT could result in Tsoho’s removal, a ban from holding public office for up to 10 years, and forfeiture of undisclosed assets. The tribunal can also order the seizure of property and its decisions are appealable to the Court of Appeal.
This case draws parallels with Walter Onnoghen, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, who was controversially removed in 2019 for similar violations, though his conviction was later overturned by the Court of Appeal in 2024.
Justice Tsoho has faced past controversies, including accusations of interfering in high-profile cases, such as the sudden reassignment of a receivership dispute between FBNQuest Merchant Bank/First Trustees and Nestoil Group, and declining to detain former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele during an investigation. Some critics have also questioned his birth year, alleging discrepancies between 1955 and 1959, though this remains unverified.
The summons comes amid intensified judicial scrutiny. The National Judicial Council (NJC), led by Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, is investigating senior judges over alleged misconduct, including false asset declarations. The NJC has already sanctioned and retired several judges since Kekere-Ekun assumed office, signaling a broader push for transparency and accountability in the judiciary.
Justice Tsoho’s appearance before the CCB marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to hold senior judicial officers accountable and strengthen public confidence in the judiciary.