Senior government and judicial officials are reportedly lobbying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing investigation of Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, over alleged incomplete asset declarations, TRUETELLS Nigeria reports.
According to sources familiar with the matter, appeals are being made to persuade the president to urge the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to either halt or scale down its probe into the judge.
TRUETELLS Nigeria sources say the lobbying involves a cabinet minister from the South-South region, influential political figures from Benue State—Justice Tsoho’s home state—and senior members of the judiciary. These appeals are reportedly being made both directly to President Tinubu and indirectly through some of his aides.
One insider told TRUETELLS Nigeria that some stakeholders believe early presidential intervention could prevent the matter from escalating. “The feeling among some stakeholders is that if the president steps in early enough, the matter may not escalate,” the source said.
The controversy has also caused ripples within the judiciary. The National Judicial Council (NJC), chaired by Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, had planned an emergency session on March 6 to discuss the allegations against the Chief Judge but abruptly cancelled it late on March 5. While no official reason was given, insiders suggest it was to allow more time for behind-the-scenes consultations.
President Tinubu has not taken a final decision, TRUETELLS Nigeria reports, but has promised to reflect and consult further. Some presidential advisers, however, caution against interference, warning it could undermine the administration’s anti-corruption efforts and attract criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups.
The Nigerian Constitution strictly regulates the removal of heads of superior courts. Section 292(1)(a) stipulates that the president cannot unilaterally remove the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. Removal can only follow a Senate resolution supported by a two-thirds majority, designed to safeguard judicial independence.
The probe stems from allegations that Justice Tsoho failed to declare multiple bank accounts in his April 29, 2024, asset declaration, including three accounts with United Bank for Africa and one with Access Bank. Under Nigeria’s Code of Conduct laws, public officials must disclose all assets, including bank accounts and funds held in them.
If the allegations are upheld by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Tsoho could face removal from office, disqualification from holding public office for up to ten years, and forfeiture of undeclared assets.
Justice Tsoho has stated he is ready to cooperate with investigators. Through the court’s Director of Information, Catherine Christopher, he confirmed he would appear before the CCB once his lawyer, Kanu Agabi, returns from a medical trip abroad. “The Honourable Chief Judge remains fully committed to cooperating with the Code of Conduct Bureau,” the statement said.
Observers have drawn parallels with the 2019 case of former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, who was removed from office for similar violations. Onnoghen’s conviction was later overturned in 2024 following a settlement agreement with the federal government.
