Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have intercepted and seized $160,000 in cash from the wife of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, SaharaReporters has learned exclusively.
According to a Sunday report report by Sahara Reporters, sources familiar with the incident, Mrs. Tsoho was stopped by EFCC officials while attempting to travel to Benue State. She was subsequently escorted back to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
“She was intercepted by EFCC operatives while travelling to Benue State and was subsequently returned to Abuja,” a source with direct knowledge of the operation told SaharaReporters.
“$160,000 cash was reportedly found in her possession at the point of interception.”
As of the time of this report, neither the EFCC nor the office of the Chief Judge has issued an official statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the interception or the origin and purpose of the large sum of undeclared cash found in her possession.
Incident Amidst Intensifying Scrutiny of Chief Judge
The dramatic interception comes at a time of intense public and legal scrutiny for Justice John Terhemba Tsoho. The Chief Judge is scheduled to appear before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) on March 16, 2026, to answer to allegations that he failed to declare his assets as required by law.
A petition had accused Justice Tsoho of violating the Code of Conduct law by allegedly failing to fully disclose his assets. A recent investigation by Premium Times further alleged that in an asset declaration submitted to the CCB on April 29, 2024, Justice Tsoho failed to list at least three accounts with United Bank for Africa (UBA) and one account with Access Bank in his name.
Such omissions, if proven, would constitute a violation of Section 15 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. Nigerian law mandates that public officers declare all assets, liabilities, and bank accounts, including domiciliary accounts.
False or incomplete declarations can attract severe penalties, including removal from office, a 10-year ban from holding public office, and the forfeiture of improperly declared assets.
Justice Tsoho has previously denied any wrongdoing through his office, insisting that he has fully complied with all legal requirements for asset declaration.
Court Responds to Asset Declaration Invitation
In a statement issued last Monday, the Director of Information of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Catherine Christopher, affirmed that the Chief Judge remained fully committed to cooperating with the CCB.
The statement clarified that Justice Tsoho would appear before the bureau alongside his legal representative, the esteemed Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kanu Agabi. The court explained that Mr. Agabi was currently outside the country for medical reasons but had indicated his willingness to accompany the Chief Judge upon his return.
“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.
According to the court, Justice Tsoho has requested that the CCB schedule his appearance for any date beginning from the week of March 16, which would be most convenient for him and his counsel.
If the Code of Conduct Bureau establishes a prima facie case following his appearance, the anti-corruption body could initiate charges against the Chief Judge. A conviction could carry a prison term of up to 10 years.
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