CCB Summons Federal High Court Chief Judge Over Alleged Undeclared Bank Accounts

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has invited the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, to appear before it over allegations that he operated undisclosed bank accounts.
The invitation follows an investigation into claims that the jurist failed to declare multiple bank accounts—both naira and domiciliary—in the asset declaration form he submitted to the Bureau on April 29, 2004.
According to the allegations, three of the accounts are said to be with United Bank for Africa (UBA), while another was reportedly traced to Access Bank. The development came amid mounting pressure from several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), which had called on the Bureau to thoroughly probe the matter.
Justice Tsoho confirmed on Monday that he had received the Bureau’s summons and expressed his readiness to cooperate with the investigation.
In a statement issued by the Director of Information of the Federal High Court, Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, the Chief Judge disclosed that he had engaged former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, as his legal representative.
The statement noted that Justice Tsoho is currently outside the country on medical grounds but has informed the CCB that he will be available to appear before it from March 16.
It further stated that the Chief Judge remains committed to complying fully with the Bureau’s invitation and will participate in the process in line with constitutional provisions.
His counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, has also indicated his readiness to accompany him to the Bureau upon his return to Nigeria.
The Code of Conduct Bureau is responsible for enforcing ethical standards among public officials, particularly in matters relating to asset declarations and potential violations of the Code of Conduct.
Where a breach is established, the Bureau forwards the matter to the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for prosecution.
If tried and found guilty by the Tribunal, Justice Tsoho could face sanctions including removal from office, disqualification from holding public office for up to 10 years, and forfeiture of any funds found in undeclared accounts.