A civil society organisation (CSO) has alleged a grand conspiracy to frustrate investigations into allegation of false declaration of assets and age by Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC).
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Abuja-based Judicial Watchdog Initiative said it would be “tragic” if the judge continues to preside over cases without first addressing the allegations against him.
The group, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Grace Kontagora, said it was not declaring the judge guilty but insisted that he should clear his name before continuing to sit on the bench.
“We are not saying he is guilty as charged, but it is only decent and honourable for him to clear his name before presiding over a court of law,” the group stated.
Group Cites Reports on Asset Declaration, Alleged Cash Seizure
The organisation referred to media reports alleging irregularities in the judge’s asset declaration and other controversies.
“Premium Times reported that Justice Tsoho did not declare some of his assets and that his official age is a subject of controversy. Sahara Reporters also reported that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intercepted Tsoho’s wife on her way to Benue State and recovered $160,000 cash in her possession.
“The least he owes Nigerians is for him to clear his name before holding the gavel again,” the group added.
Pressure Mounts on CJN, NJC to Act
The organisation also called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to take action over the allegations.
Justice Kekere-Ekun chairs the National Judicial Council (NJC), the body responsible for safeguarding the independence of the judiciary and overseeing the appointment, promotion and discipline of judicial officers.
“The Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun promised to clean up the judiciary when she was inaugurated. This will be a litmus test to determine whether those assurances were merely statements for the cameras,” the group said.
The Judicial Watchdog Initiative further alleged that anti-graft agencies may be unable to carry out their duties if political interference obstructs the process.
“We are aware that the anti-graft agencies are ready to do their work professionally, but they cannot do so if there is political interference or a grand conspiracy to cover up the matter.
“We call on the Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun to do the needful. Otherwise, it will be untenable for the National Judicial Council to pick and choose which judges to investigate over allegations of infractions. The credibility of both the Chief Justice and the NJC is at stake,” the statement added.
CCB Summons Tsoho over Alleged Breach of Code of Conduct
An earlier investigation by Premium Times alleged that Justice Tsoho may have breached the Code of Conduct law by failing to fully disclose his assets.
According to the report, the judge allegedly did not declare three accounts with United Bank for Africa (UBA) and another account with Access Bank.
Following the report, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) summoned the chief judge to respond to the allegations.
The bureau is empowered by law to investigate breaches of the code of conduct for public officers and may refer cases to the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) where necessary.
If found guilty of any infractions, the judge could face sanctions including removal from office and a 10-year ban from holding public office.
There are also allegations that he falsified his age.
FHC says Chief Judge will Honour CCB Invitation
Although he initially failed to honour repeated invitations from the CCB, Justice Tsoho later indicated that he would appear before the bureau after the return of his lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), from a trip abroad.
In a statement issued last week, the Director of Information of the Federal High Court, Catherine Christopher, said the chief judge remained committed to cooperating with the bureau.
She said Justice Tsoho would appear before the CCB alongside his legal representative.
Christopher added that the position had been communicated to the bureau, affirming the chief judge’s willingness to participate in the process in compliance with the law and constitutional safeguards.
She further stated that the bureau had been informed that any date within the week beginning March 16, 2026, would be convenient for the chief judge and his counsel.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
