The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has summoned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to appear before it on March 16, 2026, to provide explanations regarding alleged secret bank accounts reported in the media.
The Code of Conduct Bureau is the statutory agency responsible for enforcing public officers’ asset declaration requirements under Nigeria’s Constitution and related laws.
Judges and other public officials are required to declare their assets, liabilities and financial interests to the CCB.
Summons by the bureau typically arise when questions surface about compliance with declaration rules or when discrepancies are reported.
Justice John Tsoho is the current Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, a position responsible for the administration of the federal judiciary’s trial court system.
Reports in select media outlets alleged that Justice Tsoho maintained secret bank accounts that were not declared in required asset filings, prompting the CCB’s interest.
The bureau issued the summons in its regulatory capacity to investigate those claims.
In a statement signed by CCB spokesperson James Akpan, the bureau confirmed that Justice Tsoho was summoned to appear before it at its headquarters in Abuja on March 16, 2026, at 12 noon to provide explanation for alleged undisclosed bank accounts.
The statement said that the bureau’s action followed media reports that raised questions about compliance with public asset declaration laws regarding bank accounts allegedly held by Justice Tsoho.
It stated that the CCB’s statutory mandate includes ensuring full and accurate asset declarations by public officers. The invitation letter to the judge was attached to the bureau’s press release.
The CCB did not provide details of the specific accounts or financial figures associated with the summons, but said the matter will be addressed during the scheduled appearance. No official explanation from Justice Tsoho was included in the bureau’s public statement.
The summons by the CCB places public focus on compliance with financial disclosure obligations by senior judicial officials in Nigeria.
The bureau’s mandate requires such compliance to promote transparency and accountability among public officers. The upcoming hearing may clarify circumstances raised in media reports and shed light on any compliance issues.
For the judiciary, the CCB’s action demonstrates the application of statutory procedures governing asset declarations, a requirement for all public officials under existing laws.
The process may involve submission of documents and sworn statements during the scheduled appearance.
For the public and legal community, the case affirms that mechanisms exist to review asset declarations of high-ranking officials when questions are raised in public discourse, and that investigative procedures are overseen by statutory institutions such as the CCB.
