Alleged secret bank account: FHC CJ, Justice Tsoho ready for CCB probe, hires SAN

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Chief Judge of Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has expressed his readiness to appear before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), following investigation into alleged secret bank account.
According to the CCB, Justice Tsoho, 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 alleged domiciled with the United Bank of Africa(UBA) another account was reportedly traced to him at the Access Bank.
Consequently, several Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) mounted pressure on the prosecution agency, demanding an immediate investigation of the allegation.
Therefore, the FHC, in a statement signed by its Director Information, Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, confirmed the summon by the CCB and expressed readiness to submit himself to the probe.
The statement revealed that the CJ had appointed Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN as his legal representative.
The CJ disclosed that he is currently out of the country on health grounds, however, he had already notified the CCB that he would be available from March 16.
“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 Core 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 SAN, has indicated his readiness to accompany him to the CCb 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 CJ and his counsel. The Hon. CJ reiterate his commitment to due process, transparency and rule of law,” the statement read.