The Code of Conduct Bureau has summoned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to appear before it following an investigation into allegations that he operated undisclosed bank accounts.
Justice Tsoho was alleged to have failed to declare several bank accounts both naira and domiciliary in the asset declaration form he submitted to the Bureau on April 29, 2004. Reports indicate that three of the accounts were domiciled with United Bank for Africa, while another was traced to Access Bank.
Civil Society Organizations had mounted pressure on the Bureau, calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Confirming the development on Monday, Justice Tsoho expressed readiness to submit himself for the probe. In a statement signed by the Director of Information of the court, Dr Catherine Oby Christopher, the Chief Judge disclosed that he had appointed former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN, as his legal representative.
The statement noted that Justice Tsoho is currently out of the country on medical grounds but has informed the Bureau that he will be available from March 16. His counsel has indicated readiness to accompany him to the Bureau upon his return.
The Bureau is empowered to enforce ethical standards among public officers by managing asset declarations and investigating alleged breaches of the code of conduct. Where violations are elished, cases are referred to the Code of Conduct Tribunal for prosecution.
If tried and convicted, the Chief Judge could face removal from office, disqualification from holding public office for up to 10 years, and forfeiture of any undeclared funds.
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