Tinubu under pressure to intervene in CCB probe of Justice Tsoho – Report

President Bola Tinubu is under pressure to intervene in the ongoing investigation of John Tsoho, chief judge of the federal high court (FHC), according to a report by Premium Times.

The chief judge is under investigation by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over alleged non-declaration of assets.

According to the report, senior political figures have appealed to the president to prevail on the CCB to halt or soften its investigation of the judge.

A cabinet minister from the south-south region as well as an influential political office holder from Benue, Tsoho’s state, and several senior figures within the judiciary are said to be lobbying Tinubu to intervene.

The newspaper quoted sources as saying appeals have been made both directly to the president and indirectly through his close associates.

However, the report said Tinubu’s close associates are warning him against intervening in the CCB investigation, citing that the move could undermine his administration’s anti-corruption stance.

They also stated that such an intervention could set a dangerous precedent and expose the president to criticism from opposition parties and anti-graft activists.

When contacted, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said he was unaware that pressure was mounting on Tinubu over the matter.

‘GRAND CONSPIRACY’

In a statement shared with TheCable on Tuesday, Judicial Watchdog Initiative, a group of activists based in Abuja, said it would be “tragic” if the judge is allowed to sit over people’s cases without first clearing his name.

“We are not saying he is guilty as charged, but it is only decent and honourable for him to clear his name before presiding over a court of law,” the group said in a statement signed by Grace Kontagora, its executive director.

“Premium Times reported that Justice Tsoho did not declare some of his assets and that his official age is a subject of controversy. Sahara Reporters also reportedthat operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intercepted Tsoho’s wife on her way to Benue state and recovered $160,000 cash in her possession.

CJN ALSO UNDER PRESSURE

TheCable had reported that Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), has come under pressure to act over the alleged non-declaration of assets by Tsoho.

Kekere-Ekun is the chairperson of the National Judicial Council (NJC), the apex body responsible for ensuring the independence of the judiciary, including appointing, promoting, and disciplining judicial officers.

Senior lawyers had told TheCable off-the-record that Kekeru-Ekun’s promise to clean up the judiciary will be put to the test by her handling of the Tsoho saga.

Premium Times reported that Kekere-Ekun had scheduled an urgent meeting of the NJC for March 6 to deliberate on allegations against the chief judge of the federal high court. However, the meeting was cancelled less than 24 hours before the scheduled date.

The newspaper said members of the council were not given a formal explanation for the cancellation of the planned meeting.

But insiders said the decision was taken to allow more time for behind-the-scenes efforts to persuade the president to intervene.

THE ALLEGED MISCONDUCT

An investigation by Premium Times had alleged that Tsoho might have violated the code of conduct law by not making full disclosure of his assets.

The newspaper reported that the judge did not declare three of his accounts with the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and another with Access Bank.

There is also an allegation that he falsified his age.

The CCB, the body charged with the responsibility to investigate breaches of the code of conduct for public officers, has summoned Tsoho to defend the allegations.

In a statement issued on March 2, Catherine Christopher, director of information of the federal high court (FHC), said Tsoho is committed to cooperating with the CCB in respect of its invitation.

The statement said the chief judge would appear before the CCB alongside his legal representative, Kanu Agabi, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

According to the FHC, Agabi is currently outside Nigeria for medical reasons but has indicated his readiness to accompany Tsoho to the bureau upon his return. (The Cable)