Abuja, March 11, 2026 — Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reportedly subjected the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, to several hours of questioning on Tuesday over a substantial amount of cash allegedly discovered in his wife's possession. The interrogation, according to sources within the anti-graft agency, stemmed directly from the interception of the judge's wife with foreign currency while she was en route to Benue State.
Credible reports indicate that EFCC operatives intercepted Mrs. Tsoho during her travel and subsequently escorted her back to Abuja. At the point of interception, operatives allegedly recovered $160,000 in cash from her possession. The exact circumstances surrounding the source of the funds, the intended purpose of the trip, and any immediate actions taken by the commission following the discovery remain unclarified by official statements from the EFCC or the judiciary as of Wednesday morning.
A source familiar with the agency's operations described the development as significant, stating, “EFCC interrogated the Chief Judge, Tsoho, for hours on Tuesday over his wife’s cash haul.” The questioning reportedly focused on establishing the legitimacy and origins of the money, particularly in light of ongoing scrutiny into the judge's financial disclosures.
This latest incident unfolded against the backdrop of heightened attention on Justice Tsoho's asset declaration records. Investigative findings previously revealed that in an asset declaration form submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) on April 29, 2024, the Chief Judge allegedly omitted several bank accounts. These included at least three accounts held with United Bank for Africa (UBA) and one with Access Bank, all purportedly in his name.
Such omissions, if substantiated, would contravene Section 15 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, which mandates public officers—including judicial officers—to declare all assets, liabilities, and bank accounts comprehensively, including foreign currency domiciliary accounts. Violations of the Code of Conduct law carry severe penalties: upon conviction by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, an offender may face up to 10 years imprisonment, forfeiture of undeclared assets, removal from office, and disqualification from holding any public office for a period of up to 10 years.
In response to these allegations, the Federal High Court issued a statement last Monday affirming Justice Tsoho's full commitment to cooperating with the CCB. The statement, signed by the court's Director of Information, Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, confirmed that the Chief Judge had received an invitation from the bureau and had requested scheduling for any date within the week commencing Monday, March 16, 2026, to accommodate both himself and his legal counsel.
The chosen counsel is Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kanu Godwin Agabi, CON, who is currently outside Nigeria for medical reasons but has expressed readiness to accompany the judge upon his return. The court emphasized that this arrangement had been formally communicated to the CCB, underscoring adherence to constitutional rights to legal representation and due process.
“The Federal High Court of Nigeria wishes to clarify that the Honourable Chief Judge, Hon Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, remains fully committed to cooperating with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in respect of its invitation,” the statement read. “In accordance with his constitutional right to consult and be represented by counsel of his choice, his legal representative, Kanu Godwin Agabi, CON, SAN, has indicated his readiness to accompany the Honourable Chief Judge to the Bureau upon his return to Nigeria, he being presently outside the country for medical reasons.”
Justice Tsoho has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that he has complied fully with all legal requirements for asset declaration. No formal charges have been filed by the CCB at this stage, and the bureau has not publicly detailed the specifics of the probe beyond the invitation process.
The EFCC's involvement in questioning the Chief Judge adds another layer of complexity to the matter. While the commission has not issued an official confirmation or denial regarding the interrogation or the cash interception, multiple independent reports from investigative outlets and sources have corroborated the core elements of the incident. The timing—coming shortly after public revelations about the asset declaration issues—has intensified discussions within legal and anti-corruption circles about potential linkages between the two developments.
Nigeria's judiciary has faced persistent calls for greater transparency and accountability in recent years, particularly concerning asset declarations and the sources of wealth among judicial officers. The Code of Conduct law aims to prevent conflicts of interest and illicit enrichment, requiring annual declarations that are subject to verification and potential investigation.
If the CCB establishes a prima facie case during or following Justice Tsoho's appearance starting March 16, the matter could proceed to the Code of Conduct Tribunal for adjudication. Outcomes could range from clearance to severe sanctions, depending on the evidence presented.
Meanwhile, the EFCC's actions highlight the agency's ongoing efforts to enforce anti-money laundering regulations and curb unexplained wealth, including restrictions on large cash movements without proper documentation. Under Nigerian law, carrying significant sums of foreign currency requires declaration, and failure to do so can trigger forfeiture proceedings or criminal charges.
As the situation develops, stakeholders—including the Nigerian Bar Association, judicial watchdog groups, and civil society organizations—continue to monitor proceedings closely. The dual scrutiny from the EFCC and CCB places significant pressure on one of the country's most senior judicial figures at a time when public confidence in the judiciary remains a critical national concern.
No official comment has emerged from Justice Tsoho personally or from the EFCC on the Tuesday questioning. Updates are anticipated as the CCB engagement approaches and if further details on the cash recovery are released.
