The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) expresses profound concern over emerging reports that political and institutional actors are pressuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing investigation of Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

According to reporting by Premium Times, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) is currently probing allegations that Justice Tsoho failed to declare certain assets as required by law. The same reports indicate that influential figures within the political and judicial establishments are lobbying the Presidency to halt, delay, or dilute 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.

Defending Institutional Independence

CHRICED reiterates that the independence of Nigeria’s anti‑corruption and accountability institutions is non‑negotiable. 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.

Asset declaration laws exist to promote transparency and accountability in public service. These standards must apply uniformly to all public officials, regardless of status or influence. It is worth recalling that failure to declare assets as required by law led to the removal of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, in 2019 under the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

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.

Protecting the Credibility of the Judiciary

As the head of a court that adjudicates some of the nation’s most sensitive political and economic disputes, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court must exemplify accountability and ethical leadership. The most effective way to safeguard the credibility of the judiciary at this critical moment is to ensure that the investigation proceeds transparently, professionally, and without 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.

CHRICED affirms that every citizen—including judicial officers—is entitled to the presumption of innocence. However, this principle does not negate the obligation to subject allegations of misconduct to lawful and transparent scrutiny.

Call to Action

In light of the foregoing, CHRICED:

• Calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resist all pressure to interfere in the ongoing investigation and to allow the Code of Conduct Bureau to carry out its statutory mandate independently and without fear or favour.
• Urges the National Judicial Council (NJC) to ensure that this matter is handled in a manner that strengthens, rather than further diminishes, the integrity of the judiciary. The NJC must confront the reality that public confidence in the judiciary is at a historic low amid widespread allegations of corruption.
• Encourages the media, civil society organisations, professional bodies, and all citizens committed to democratic governance to continue championing transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law—particularly within the justice sector.

Nigeria’s democratic institutions can only grow stronger when accountability mechanisms operate freely, independently, and without political interference.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed:
Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi
Executive Director