Alleged non-declaration of assets: Justice Tsoho to appear before CCB
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, has expressed readiness to appear before the Code of Conduct Bureau over allegations bordering on the non-declaration of assets. In a statement signed by the court’s Director of Information, Dr Catherine Oby Christopher, on Monday, Justice Tsoho requested the bureau to fix any date commencing […]
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, has expressed readiness to appear before the Code of Conduct Bureau over allegations bordering on the non-declaration of assets.
In a statement signed by the court’s Director of Information, Dr Catherine Oby Christopher, on Monday, Justice Tsoho requested the bureau to fix any date commencing from the week of March 16 as the most convenient for his appearance.
He reiterated his commitment to due process, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.
“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 (CCB) in respect of its invitation,” the letter reads.
“In accordance with his constitutional right to consult and be represented by counsel of his choice, his legal representative, Kanu Godwin Agabi, SAN, has indicated his readiness to accompany the Honourable Chief Judge to the Bureau upon his return to Nigeria, he being presently outside the country for medical reasons.
“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.”
In a petition, Justice Tsoho was alleged to violated the code of conduct law by not making full disclosure of his assets i.e. not declaring three of his accounts with the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and another with Access Bank.
The anti-corruption agency could charge the chief judge if it finds prima facie evidence, and a conviction could lead to up to 10 years imprisonment and a 10-year ban on holding public office.
Similarly, the chief judge is facing a petition before the National Judicial Council (NJC) by a political party following an allegation of manifest bias in a case involving Dumebi Kachikwu and four others vs the Independent National Electoral Commission and five others.
In the petition signed by one Nkemalom Ukandu, the party is asking for an investigation to be opened against Justice Tsoho and Joyce Abdulmalik over the ruling in three applications barring anyone from bringing an application for joinder in the matter.