By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, says he received an invitation from the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and has confirmed his readiness to appear before the agency.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday, March 2, by the Director of Information of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Catherine Christopher.
The court stressed that the Chief Judge remained committed to cooperating with the bureau in respect of its invitation.
According to the statement, Justice Tsoho would be accompanied by his legal representative, Kanu Agabi, who is currently outside the country for medical reasons, and has indicated his readiness to accompany him to the bureau upon his return to Nigeria.
The statement also noted that the bureau has been informed that any date within the week commencing Monday, March 16 would be convenient for the Chief Judge and his counsel.
“The Chief Judge reiterates his commitment to due process, transparency, and respect for the rule of law,” the statement added.
The Chief Judge’s invitation by the CCB follows an investigation by an online news platform that alleged the judge failed to declare several bank accounts as required by law, which is a breach of Nigeria’s Code of Conduct.
The report, based on documents and interviews, claimed that in an asset declaration submitted to the CCB on April 29, 2024, Justice Tsoho did not list at least three United Bank for Africa (UBA) accounts and one Access Bank account in his name.
Under the law, public officers must declare all assets, liabilities, and accounts, including domiciliary accounts.
The law also states that false or incomplete declarations attract sanctions, including removal from office, disqualification from public office for up to 10 years, and forfeiture of improperly declared assets.
