President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly facing mounting pressure to intervene in an ongoing investigation involving John Tsoho, in what observers say could become a significant test of the administration’s commitment to anti-corruption and institutional independence, reports have gathered.
Justice Tsoho is currently under investigation by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over allegations that he failed to fully declare some of his assets, a claim that has drawn attention within legal and political circles.
According to a report by Premium Times, several influential political figures and senior members of the judiciary have appealed to the president to prevail on the bureau to either halt or soften its probe into the chief judge. Among those reportedly lobbying for intervention are a cabinet minister from the South-South region, a prominent political office holder from Benue State, which is Justice Tsoho’s home state, and other senior judicial figures.
Sources cited Premium Times’ report said appeals have reached the president through both direct channels and indirect approaches involving some of his close associates. However, advisers around the president are said to be cautioning against any such move, warning that intervening could undermine the government’s anti-corruption stance and expose the administration to criticism from opposition groups and civil society actors.
In addition, the controversy has also placed pressure on Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who chairs the National Judicial Council (NJC), the institution responsible for overseeing the discipline and conduct of judicial officers.
The NJC was supposed to have an emergency meeting on March 6 to discuss the accusations against the chief judge, but the meeting was canceled less than a day in advance. According to people familiar with the situation, the postponement was meant to give extra time for behind-the-scenes discussions.
According to an investigation, Justice Tsoho may have violated the code of conduct law by neglecting to disclose many bank accounts, including three allegedly maintained with United Bank for Africa and another with Access Bank. Additionally, there are allegations that the judge may have fabricated his age.
Since then, the chief judge has been asked by the CCB to address the accusations. The Federal High Court affirmed Justice Tsoho’s intention to assist with the probe in a statement released on March 2.
The chief judge will appear before the bureau with his attorney, Kanu Agabi, who is presently abroad for medical reasons but has stated that he is prepared to participate in the hearings when he returns, according to the court.
