The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has raised concerns over reports suggesting that political and institutional actors are mounting pressure on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing investigation of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice John Tsoho.
According to emerging reports, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) is probing allegations that Justice Tsoho failed to declare certain assets as required by law. The same reports indicate that influential figures within political and judicial circles are allegedly lobbying the Presidency to halt, delay, or weaken the investigation.
Reacting to the development, CHRICED warned that any attempt to influence the process could undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework and erode public confidence in the rule of law.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the organisation said the situation raises serious concerns about possible interference in a process that should strictly follow the dictates of law, transparency and due process.
CHRICED emphasised that the independence of institutions responsible for promoting accountability must remain sacrosanct.
“Any attempt—direct or indirect—to obstruct the lawful work of the Code of Conduct Bureau would undermine the rule of law and further erode public trust in the nation’s governance architecture,” the statement read.
The organisation also stressed that asset declaration requirements are a key component of transparency in public service and must apply equally to all public officials, regardless of their status or influence.
It recalled that failure to comply with asset declaration laws previously led to the removal of a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, in 2019 during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to CHRICED, allowing any public official to evade scrutiny would create the impression that certain individuals are above the law.
“The judiciary, as the guardian of justice, must be held to the highest standards of integrity,” the group stated.
It further noted that as head of a court responsible for adjudicating some of Nigeria’s most sensitive political and economic disputes, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court must demonstrate transparency, accountability and ethical leadership.
CHRICED therefore urged that the investigation be allowed to proceed transparently, professionally and without interference in order to safeguard the credibility of the judiciary.
