High-ranking officials in Nigeria's government are intensifying efforts to convince President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the investigation concerning Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, who is facing allegations of not fully disclosing several bank accounts on his asset declaration forms.
Sources acquainted with the situation revealed to PREMIUM TIMES that notable political and judicial figures have recently approached the president, asking him to persuade the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to halt or modify its inquiry into the judge's financial activities.
Among those reportedly lobbying the president are a cabinet member from the South-South region, significant political leaders from Justice Tsoho's home state of Benue, and several senior judicial personalities.
The appeals have reportedly reached the president directly and through his close aides.
This situation has created ripples within the judiciary, leading to the National Judicial Council (NJC), chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to plan an urgent meeting for March 6 to discuss the allegations against the Federal High Court chief judge. However, this meeting was abruptly canceled late on March 5.
Insiders claim that the cancellation was intended to allow more time for behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at persuading the president for intervention.
One source familiar with the ongoing discussions stated, “The sentiment among some stakeholders is that if the president intervenes swiftly, the situation may not escalate.”
As for President Tinubu, sources disclosed that he has yet to finalize a decision but has expressed intentions to deliberate on the matter and engage in further consultations.
However, some of his close advisers are advising against any involvement in the CCB investigation, cautioning that such a move might compromise the administration's commitment to anti-corruption efforts. They argue that interference could establish a troubling precedent and draw criticism from opposition factions and anti-corruption advocates, particularly in light of the rising political tensions ahead of upcoming elections.
When asked by PREMIUM TIMES about the alleged pressure on the president concerning this issue, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated he was unaware of such pressures.
According to Nigeria's Constitution, there is a strict process for dismissing heads of superior courts, including the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. Section 292(1)(a) stipulates that the president cannot remove the Chief Judge unilaterally; a Senate resolution supported by a two-thirds majority must endorse such action. The resolution must state that the judge should be removed due to an inability to perform their official duties, whether from mental or physical incapacity or due to misconduct or noncompliance with the Code of Conduct.
Legal analysts opine that this constitutional measure is intended to protect judicial independence by ensuring that the dismissal of senior judicial officers requires a thorough and collaborative process involving both the executive and legislative branches.
Should the Code of Conduct Tribunal find Justice Tsoho guilty, President Tinubu would then have the authority to write to the Senate requesting his removal. Alternatively, it may be suggested that the judge resign, protecting his dignity from the potential humiliation of removal.
The CCB's actions followed a PREMIUM TIMES investigation, which uncovered that Justice Tsoho allegedly did not declare specific bank accounts in the asset declaration submitted to the Bureau on April 29, 2024. Documents reviewed indicated that the judge omitted three accounts held at United Bank for Africa and another account at Access Bank.
Under Nigeria's Code of Conduct rules, public officials must fully disclose all assets, including bank accounts and their balances. Failure to do so or providing false information can lead to severe consequences.
If the allegations are proven true and brought before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, the judge could face penalties, including dismissal from office, disqualification from holding public office for up to ten years, and forfeiture of improperly declared assets.
Justice Tsoho has expressed his readiness to cooperate with the investigation. In a statement released via the court's Director of Information, Catherine Christopher, he indicated a willingness to appear before the CCB once his attorney, Kanu Agabi, returns from medical treatment abroad. The chief judge remains committed to assisting the Code of Conduct Bureau, stating that any date during the week commencing March 16 would be suitable for him to attend the inquiry.
The growing controversy has drawn parallels to the notable case of former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, who faced a contentious conviction and removal from office in 2019 after the Code of Conduct Tribunal found him guilty of failing to declare several accounts. Although his conviction was later annulled by the Court of Appeal in 2024 following a settlement with the federal government, the event remains one of the most discussed cases of judicial accountability in Nigeria's recent past.
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