Pressure Builds on Tinubu Over Probe of Federal High Court Chief Judge

Pressure is mounting on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in an ongoing investigation involving the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, over allegations that he failed to disclose several bank accounts in his asset declaration.

Sources familiar with the matter say senior political figures and influential members of the judiciary have recently appealed to the president to step in as the investigation by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) progresses. The lobbying effort, according to the sources, involves a cabinet minister from the South-South region, prominent political office holders from Benue State, where Justice Tsoho is from, and senior figures within the judicial system.

The appeals are said to have been made both directly to the president and through some of his close associates as concerns grow within certain circles that the probe could escalate into a broader institutional crisis. The controversy has also triggered discussions within the National Judicial Council (NJC), the body responsible for disciplining judicial officers in Nigeria.

The council, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, had initially scheduled an emergency meeting for 6 March to review the allegations against the chief judge. However, the meeting was abruptly cancelled late on 5 March without a formal explanation to council members. People familiar with the development say the cancellation was intended to allow time for consultations and possible political intervention before the matter proceeds further.

According to sources close to the presidency, President Tinubu has not taken a final position on the issue but has indicated he would reflect on the matter and consult with relevant advisers. Some members of his inner circle are reportedly advising caution, warning that direct intervention in the work of the CCB could undermine the administration’s anti-corruption stance and expose the government to criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups.

When contacted about the reports of pressure on the president, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said he was not aware of any attempts to influence the president regarding the investigation.

Nigeria’s constitution outlines a strict procedure for removing the head of a superior court such as the Federal High Court. Under Section 292, the president cannot remove the Chief Judge unilaterally. Instead, removal requires a resolution supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate recommending that the president take action. Such a resolution must state that the judicial officer should be removed for misconduct, breach of the Code of Conduct, or inability to perform the functions of the office.

Legal experts say the provision was designed to protect judicial independence by ensuring that the removal of senior judges involves both the legislative and executive branches of government. If the Code of Conduct Tribunal eventually convicts Justice Tsoho, the president could then formally write to the Senate seeking approval for his removal. Another possible outcome could involve the judge stepping down voluntarily if the allegations are substantiated.

The investigation began after findings indicated that Justice Tsoho may have failed to disclose several bank accounts in the asset declaration form he submitted on 29 April 2024. Documents reviewed by investigators reportedly show that the judge did not declare three accounts held with United Bank for Africa and another account with Access Bank.

Under Nigeria’s asset declaration laws, public officials are required to disclose all assets, including bank accounts and funds held in them. Failure to do so or submitting false declarations can attract sanctions that include removal from office, forfeiture of undeclared assets and disqualification from holding public office for up to ten years.

Justice Tsoho has said he is willing to cooperate with investigators. In a statement issued through the court’s Director of Information, Catherine Christopher, the chief judge said he would appear before the Code of Conduct Bureau once his lawyer, Kanu Agabi, returns to Nigeria from a medical trip abroad. The statement added that any date during the week beginning 16 March would be convenient for him to attend the inquiry.

The situation has drawn comparisons with the case involving former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, who was removed from office in 2019 after the Code of Conduct Tribunal found him guilty of failing to declare several bank accounts. Although the Court of Appeal of Nigeria later overturned that conviction in 2024 following a settlement with the federal government, the case remains one of the most contentious episodes involving judicial accountability in Nigeria’s recent history.