By Dennis Okechukwu

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho, is to appear before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over allegations of non-declaration of assets.

Justice Tosho is one of the Judges accused of alliance with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in a recent petition to the Nigerian Judicial Council.

In a statement issued on Monday by the court’s Director of Information, Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, Justice Tsoho requested that the bureau fix a date for his appearance beginning from the week of March 16, 2026.

The statement noted that the Chief Judge remains committed to cooperating fully with the CCB in line with constitutional provisions. It added that his legal counsel, Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN, who is currently outside the country for medical reasons, has indicated readiness to accompany him to the bureau upon his return.

According to the statement, the CCB has been formally informed of Justice Tsoho’s willingness to appear and participate in the process in compliance with the law.
“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.
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“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.

“This position has been duly communicated to the Code of Conduct Bureau, affirming the Chief Judge’s willingness to appear and participate in the process in full compliance with the law and established constitutional safeguards.
“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 Hon. Chief Judge reiterates his commitment to due process, transparency, and respect for the rule of law,” ” the letter reads.

Justice Tsoho is alleged, in a petition before the bureau, to have failed to declare three accounts with United Bank for Africa and one account with Access Bank in his asset declaration filings.

Under the Code of Conduct law, the bureau may file charges if it establishes a prima facie case. A conviction could attract up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a 10-year ban from holding public office.