The Code of Conduct Bureau has summoned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, over allegations that he operated undisclosed bank accounts contrary to constitutional asset declaration requirements.
The Bureau’s invitation follows an investigation into claims that Justice Tsoho failed to declare multiple bank accounts in the asset declaration form he submitted on April 29, 2004. The accounts allegedly include naira and domiciliary holdings.
Three of the accounts were reportedly domiciled with United Bank for Africa, while another was traced to Access Bank.
The development comes after sustained pressure from several civil society organisations which called for a formal probe into the allegations, arguing that public officers must be held to the highest disclosure standards under Nigeria’s Code of Conduct regime.
Tsoho Confirms Invitation, Appoints Agabi As Counsel
Justice Tsoho confirmed on Monday that he had been invited by the Bureau and expressed readiness to submit himself to the process.
In a statement signed by the Director of Information of the Federal High Court, Dr Catherine Oby Christopher, the Chief Judge said he had appointed a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, as his legal representative.
The statement read, “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 in respect of its invitation.”
It added that his counsel, Kanu Godwin Agabi, CON, SAN, had indicated readiness to accompany him to the Bureau upon his return to Nigeria.
Justice Tsoho disclosed that he is currently outside the country on medical grounds and has informed the Bureau that he will be available from March 16.
“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,” the statement said.
“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.”
Under the 1999 Constitution, public officers are required to declare their assets to the Code of Conduct Bureau at specified intervals. The Bureau is empowered to verify declarations and investigate alleged breaches.
Where a violation is established, the Bureau refers the matter to the Code of Conduct Tribunal for trial.
If convicted by the Tribunal, a public officer may face removal from office, disqualification from holding public office for up to 10 years, and forfeiture of assets found to have been improperly declared or concealed.
The case places the head of one of Nigeria’s superior courts of record under scrutiny at a time when judicial accountability and transparency remain central issues in the country’s legal and governance debates.
As of the time of filing this report, the Code of Conduct Bureau had not issued a detailed public statement outlining specific findings or a formal charge.
