President Bola Tinubu is currently facing significant pressure to intervene in the ongoing investigation of John Tsoho, the chief judge of the Federal High Court (FHC). This investigation, conducted by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), centers on serious allegations of non-declaration of assets by the chief judge.

Reports indicate that a diverse group of senior political figures and judicial actors are actively lobbying President Tinubu to either halt or soften the CCB's inquiry. These influential individuals include a cabinet minister from the South-South region, prominent political office holders from Justice Tsoho’s home state of Benue, and several high-ranking figures within the judiciary. Appeals have been made both directly to the president and indirectly through his close associates.

However, President Tinubu’s close associates are cautioning him against such intervention. They argue that interfering with the CCB investigation could severely undermine his administration’s stated anti-corruption stance, set a dangerous precedent, and expose the president to strong criticism from opposition parties and anti-graft activists, especially with political tensions rising ahead of the next electoral cycle. When contacted, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, stated he was unaware of any pressure on Tinubu regarding the matter. President Tinubu has reportedly not taken a definitive position but has promised to reflect and consult further on the issue.

The controversy has also created ripple effects within the judiciary itself. Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and chairperson of the National Judicial Council (NJC), an apex body responsible for judicial appointments, promotions, and discipline, is also under pressure to act. An urgent NJC meeting had been scheduled for March 6 to deliberate on the allegations against Justice Tsoho. However, this meeting was abruptly cancelled late on March 5, with no formal explanation provided to council members. Insiders suggest the cancellation was intended to provide more time for behind-the-scenes efforts to persuade the president to intervene, with some stakeholders believing early presidential intervention could prevent the matter from escalating.

The allegations against Justice Tsoho stem from a Premium Times investigation, which revealed that he allegedly failed to disclose certain bank accounts in his asset declaration form submitted to the CCB on April 29, 2024. Documents purportedly show that the judge did not declare three accounts held with United Bank for Africa (UBA) and another with Access Bank. Furthermore, there is an allegation that he falsified his age. Separately, Sahara Reporters claimed that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intercepted Justice Tsoho’s wife en route to Benue state, recovering $160,000 cash in her possession. Under Nigeria’s Code of Conduct regime, public officials are mandated to fully disclose all assets, including bank accounts, with non-disclosure or false declaration constituting a breach of law that may attract severe sanctions.

The Judicial Watchdog Initiative, an Abuja-based activist group, has expressed that it would be “tragic” if Justice Tsoho were allowed to preside over cases without first clearing his name. The group emphasized that while they are not asserting his guilt, it is