Rights Group Warns Against Interference in Probe of Federal High Court Chief Judge
Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has raised concerns over alleged attempts to pressure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in an investigation involving the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho.
The rights organisation warns that interference in the investigation could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system and weaken the independence of accountability institutions.
In a statement issued Saturday, CHRICED Executive Director Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi says reports indicate that the Code of Conduct Bureau is currently investigating allegations that Justice Tsoho failed to declare certain assets as required by law.
According to the organisation, media reports suggest influential figures within political and judicial circles are lobbying the Presidency to halt or delay the investigation.
“These developments raise serious red flags about the potential for undue interference in a process that must remain governed by law, transparency and due process,” the statement says.
CHRICED stresses that asset declaration laws exist to promote accountability in public service and must apply equally to all officials regardless of their status.
The organisation recalls that a similar case involving asset declaration led to the removal of former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen in 2019.
Allowing any official to evade scrutiny, the group warns, would set a dangerous precedent and weaken anti-corruption efforts.
CHRICED urges President Tinubu to resist any pressure that could compromise the investigation and allow the Code of Conduct Bureau to perform its statutory duties independently.
The organisation also calls on the National Judicial Council to ensure the matter is handled transparently to reinforce public confidence in the judiciary.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
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