Nigerian Chief Judge Agrees to Appear Before Conduct Bureau Over Asset Declaration
The Chief Judge of Nigeria’s Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has confirmed his willingness to appear before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) for questioning regarding an investigation into his asset declarations. The court stated he will honour the invitation once his lead counsel, Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN, returns from medical treatment abroad.
In a statement issued by the court’s Director of Information, Dr. Catherine Christopher, Justice Tsoho emphasized his commitment to cooperating fully with the CCB. “The Honourable Chief Judge remains fully committed to cooperating with the Code of Conduct Bureau in respect of its invitation,” the statement read, noting that this position has been formally communicated to the bureau.
The development follows media reports, including an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES, which alleged that Justice Tsoho failed to declare several bank accounts in his official asset declaration forms—a potential violation of Nigeria’s Code of Conduct for public officers. The CCB subsequently issued a summons to the Chief Judge.
According to the statement, Justice Tsoho is exercising his constitutional right to legal representation. His counsel, Agabi, a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has indicated he will accompany the Chief Judge to the Bureau. For logistical scheduling, the court has proposed the week beginning Monday, 16 March 2026, as a convenient timeframe for the appearance, pending the lawyer’s return.
The statement reiterated Justice Tsoho’s dedication to due process and the rule of law, stating he will participate “in full compliance with the law and established constitutional safeguards.” This assurance underscores the judiciary’s expected stance of transparency in matters of public accountability.
The Code of Conduct Bureau is the Nigerian agency mandated to receive, examine, and verify asset declarations from public officials, investigating any alleged breaches. A high-profile probe into the head of a key federal court highlights ongoing scrutiny of asset declaration compliance within the country’s judiciary.
The appearance, now slated for mid-March 2026, is expected to provide clarity on the specific allegations concerning the undeclared bank accounts. It represents a significant step in the Bureau’s investigative process and will be closely watched as a test of institutional adherence to conduct regulations.
