The Federal High Court of Nigeria has clarified that its Chief Judge, John Terhemba Tsoho, is ready to honour an invitation from the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and remains fully committed to cooperating with the body.

In a statement issued yesterday by its Director of Information, Dr Catherine Oby Christopher, the court explained that the Chief Judge has exercised 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 Justice Tsoho to the bureau upon his return to Nigeria.

The statement disclosed that Agabi is currently outside the country for medical reasons, a development that has been formally communicated to the CCB.
 
It stressed, however, that this has not diminished the CJ’s willingness to appear and fully participate in the process in line with due process and constitutional safeguards.

For scheduling purposes, the court said the bureau has been informed that any date within the week commencing Monday, March 16, 2026, would be convenient for Justice Tsoho and his counsel.

The Federal High Court emphasised that the CJ remains committed to transparency, respect for the rule of law, and full compliance with all lawful procedures.

The invitation by the CCB followed allegations that Tsoho failed to declare several bank accounts in his asset declaration form, contrary to provisions of Nigeria’s Code of Conduct for public officers.

Media reports indicated that the bureau summoned the CJ to respond to questions regarding alleged undeclared accounts.

Tsoho was to appear before the bureau on Friday, but did not turn up. CCB officials were reported to have anticipated his appearance yesterday.