CHRICED warns against interference in probe of Abuja Chief Judge
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has warned against alleged attempts by political actors to pressure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing investigation of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho. In a statement issued on Saturday by its Executive Director, Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, CHRICED […]
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has warned against alleged attempts by political actors to pressure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing investigation of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its Executive Director, Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, CHRICED expressed concern over reports that influential figures within political and judicial circles were lobbying the Presidency to halt or delay the probe being conducted by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
The group said the bureau was investigating allegations that Justice Tsoho failed to declare some assets as required by law.
CHRICED warned that any attempt to obstruct the investigation would undermine the rule of law and weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions.
- Ex-International Henry Nwosu dies at 61
- NSCDC Officer Killed During Palliatives Distribution in Kano
“The independence of Nigeria’s anti-corruption and accountability institutions is non-negotiable. Any attempt—direct or indirect—to obstruct the lawful work of the Code of Conduct Bureau would erode public trust in the nation’s governance system,” the statement said.
The organisation recalled that failure to properly declare assets led to the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.
It noted that allowing any public official to evade scrutiny would create the impression that some individuals were above the law.
CHRICED urged President Tinubu to resist pressure to interfere in the investigation and allow the CCB to carry out its mandate independently.
The group also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to handle the matter in a manner that would strengthen public confidence in the judiciary.
The organisation urged civil society groups, the media and other stakeholders to continue advocating transparency and accountability in the justice sector.