Alleged secret bank accounts: CCB summons FHC CJ, Justice Tsoho

ABUJA– The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has summoned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to appear before it following an investigation into an allegation that he operated secret bank accounts.

Justice Tsoho was said to have failed to disclose his ownership of several bank accounts (naira and domiciliary) in the asset declaration form he filled and submitted to the CCB on April 29, 2004.

While three of the accounts were allegedly domiciled with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), another account was reportedly traced to him at Access Bank. Several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) mounted pressure on the CCB, demanding an immediate investigation of the allegation.

Meanwhile, Justice Tsoho, on Monday, confirmed that the Bureau has summoned him to appear before it, even as he expressed his readiness to submit himself for the probe.

The CJ, in a statement signed by the Director of Information of the High Court, Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, revealed that he had appointed a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, as his legal representative.

Disclosing that he is currently out of the country on health grounds, Justice Tsoho said he had already notified the CCB that he would be available from March 16.

The statement, read: “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.

“In accordance with his constitutional right to consult and be represented by counsel of his choice, his legal representative, Kanu Godwin Agabi, CON, 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.

For scheduling purposes, the Bureau has been informed that any date within the week commencing Monday, 16 March 2026, is convenient for the Honourable Chief Judge and his counsel. The Hon. Chief Judge reiterates his commitment to due process, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.”

The CCB is statutorily empowered to promote ethical standards among public officers by managing asset declarations and addressing potential breaches of the code of conduct.

Where a breach is confirmed, the Bureau refers the case to the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), which is its prosecuting arm.

If the High Court CJ is tried before the CCT and convicted on the allegation against him, he could face removal from office, disqualification from holding public office for up to 10 years, and forfeiture of any undeclared funds in all accounts.

Culled from vanguard