Officials Urge Tinubu to Halt Justice Tsoho's Probe

Senior officials within the Nigerian government and judiciary are reportedly pressuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the investigation of Chief Justice Tsoho concerning allegations of incomplete asset declarations. Sources indicate that these officials aim to persuade the President to influence the Code of Conduct Bureau's investigation.

Justice Tsoho, a significant figure in the judiciary, is facing scrutiny over undisclosed bank accounts in his asset declaration submitted on April 29, 2024. The investigation has raised concerns about judicial independence and potential political interference.

The Nigerian Judiciary Council, chaired by Kudirat Keker Ekun, had scheduled a meeting on March 6 to discuss the allegations against Tsoho, but it was abruptly canceled on March 5 without official explanation. Legal experts emphasize that the President cannot unilaterally remove the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court without Senate approval, highlighting the importance of maintaining judicial independence.

The situation echoes the controversial removal of former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen in 2019 for similar issues.