Chief Judge John Tsoho to Honour CCB Invitation as Federal High Court Confirms March Appearance for Asset Declaration Review

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has expressed readiness to honour an invitation from the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to address allegations of failing to declare several bank accounts in his asset declaration form.

The court clarified that Justice Tsoho remains fully committed to cooperating with the bureau in line with constitutional provisions and due process.

In a statement issued on March 2, 2026, by the Director of Information of the Federal High Court, Dr Catherine Oby Christopher, the judiciary explained that the Chief Judge has exercised his right to consult legal counsel of his choice. His representative, Chief Kanu Godwin Agabi (SAN), a former Attorney-General of the Federation, is currently outside Nigeria for medical reasons – a development formally communicated to the CCB. Agabi has indicated his willingness to accompany Justice Tsoho to the bureau upon his return.

The statement emphasized that this temporary absence does not reflect any unwillingness to participate. For scheduling convenience, the court informed the CCB that any date within the week commencing Monday, March 16, 2026, would suit Justice Tsoho and his counsel. The judiciary reiterated the Chief Judge’s commitment to transparency, respect for the rule of law, and full compliance with lawful procedures.

The CCB invitation stems from reports that Justice Tsoho omitted certain bank accounts from his asset declaration, potentially contravening the Code of Conduct for public officers under the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Media reports indicated the bureau summoned the Chief Judge to appear last Friday, with expectations of attendance extending into Monday. He did not appear on the initial date, prompting the court’s clarification.

The allegations, if substantiated, could lead to investigations into compliance with mandatory asset declaration requirements for public officers, which aim to prevent conflicts of interest and promote accountability. The CCB, established under the 1999 Constitution, has authority to receive declarations, verify them, and refer violations to the Code of Conduct Tribunal for adjudication.

Justice Tsoho, appointed Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in 2015, oversees one of Nigeria’s key superior courts handling federal matters, including constitutional issues, revenue disputes, and anti-corruption cases. His tenure has included efforts to improve judicial efficiency and access to justice, though the current matter draws attention to asset declaration obligations across public institutions.

The Federal High Court statement stressed that the Chief Judge intends to address the queries promptly once his counsel returns, ensuring the process adheres to procedural fairness. No specific details on the number or nature of the alleged undeclared accounts have been publicly confirmed by the CCB or the court.

The development occurs amid broader scrutiny of public officials’ asset declarations in Nigeria, with the CCB periodically inviting high-profile figures for verification. Previous cases have ranged from administrative clarifications to referrals for prosecution, underscoring the bureau’s role in enforcing ethical standards.

The CCB has not issued a public response to the court’s scheduling proposal or the clarification statement. Justice Tsoho’s appearance, if it proceeds as indicated, would mark his direct engagement with the bureau following the initial summons.