Nigeria's Federal High Court Chief Judge, John Tsoho, is under scrutiny after the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) invited him to respond to allegations of false asset declaration.

Represented by former Attorney-General Kanu Agabi (SAN), Tsoho affirmed his commitment to cooperate upon returning from medical leave abroad.

The allegations stem from an asset declaration submitted on April 29, 2024, reportedly omitting at least three United Bank for Africa accounts and one Access Bank account.

If confirmed, this would violate Section 15 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, which mandates full disclosure of all assets and accounts.

The Federal High Court stressed Tsoho’s commitment to due process, with his legal team prepared to meet the CCB during the week of March 16, 2026. Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, the court’s Director of Information, highlighted his adherence to transparency and the rule of law throughout the process.

The Nigerian Bar Association condemned the CCB’s summons, calling it a constitutional overreach that infringes on judicial independence.

The NBA cited the 1999 Constitution and the Supreme Court ruling in FRN v. Nganjiwa, emphasizing that only the National Judicial Council (NJC) has authority to discipline serving judicial officers.

The NBA warned that any independent action by the CCB or Code of Conduct Tribunal against a sitting Chief Judge would breach the separation of powers and potentially nullify the proceedings.

They urged the Bureau to refer findings to the NJC for proper constitutional review.

Tsoho, appointed a Federal High Court judge in 1998 and Chief Judge in 2019, has previously faced administrative scrutiny in high-profile cases.

Civil society group Opposition Watch Nigeria supports a thorough investigation by both the CCB and NJC to ensure accountability, citing precedents like former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen’s tribunal case.