Fresh developments have emerged around the ongoing scrutiny involving the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, as reports surfaced that his wife was intercepted by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) while travelling to Benue State with a large sum of cash.
According to an exclusive report by Sahara Reporters, EFCC operatives reportedly stopped her during the journey and subsequently escorted her back to Abuja after allegedly discovering $160,000 in cash in her possession. The circumstances surrounding the funds and the purpose of the trip have yet to be officially clarified.
The development comes as Justice Tsoho prepares to appear before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over allegations related to asset declaration, as earlier reeported by ENigeria Newspaper.
Recall that reports had earlier accused the Chief Judge of failing to disclose several bank accounts as required by Nigeria’s Code of Conduct regulations governing public officers. The accounts allegedly include three with United Bank for Africa and another with Access Bank.
Under Nigerian law, public officials are required to declare all assets, liabilities and bank accounts, including domiciliary accounts. Failure to make a complete declaration could attract sanctions ranging from removal from office to disqualification from holding public office for a period of up to 10 years.
Justice Tsoho, however, has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that he complied fully with the legal requirements governing asset declarations.
In a statement issued earlier by the Federal High Court, the judiciary confirmed that the Chief Judge remains willing to cooperate with the Code of Conduct Bureau regarding its invitation.
The statement also indicated that his legal representative, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kanu Agabi, who is currently outside the country for medical reasons, has expressed readiness to accompany him when he appears before the bureau.
The statement had partly read, “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 Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in respect of its invitation.”
Justice Tsoho reportedly requested that the bureau fix his appearance from the week beginning March 16 to allow his counsel to be present.
As of the time of reporting, neither the EFCC nor the office of the Chief Judge has released an official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the reported interception involving his wife.
