Group warns Tinubu against interference in probe of Federal High Court Chief Judge

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has warned President Bola Tinubu against interfering in the ongoing probe of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.

 

The group said the warning followed reports that the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) is investigating allegations that the judge failed to declare certain assets as required by law.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Executive Director, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, CHRICED expressed concern that powerful political and judicial actors were allegedly lobbying the Presidency to halt or weaken the investigation.

 

“These developments raise serious red flags about the potential for undue interference in a process that must remain strictly governed by law, transparency and due process,” the statement said.

 

The organisation warned that allowing any public official to evade scrutiny would undermine the rule of law and weaken confidence in the judiciary.

 

“Allowing any individual to evade scrutiny would send a dangerous message that some persons occupy a privileged space above the law. The judiciary, as the guardian of justice, must be held to the highest standards of integrity,” it said.

 

CHRICED stressed that the independence of Nigeria’s anti-corruption and accountability institutions must be protected, warning that any attempt to obstruct the work of the Code of Conduct Bureau would damage public trust in governance.

 

The group also recalled that failure to properly declare assets led to the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, in 2019 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

 

According to CHRICED, the credibility of the judiciary can only be preserved if the investigation proceeds transparently, professionally and without political interference.

 

“Any executive intrusion into this matter risks damaging the anti-corruption credentials of the current administration and setting a precedent that could embolden future political interference in investigations involving public officials,” the statement added.

 

While affirming that every citizen is entitled to the presumption of innocence, the organisation said allegations of misconduct must still be examined through lawful and transparent processes.

 

CHRICED urged President Tinubu to resist pressure and allow the Code of Conduct Bureau to carry out its duties independently.

 

The group also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to handle the matter in a way that would strengthen public confidence in the judiciary, noting that trust in the institution remains low due to persistent allegations of corruption.