EFCC Questions Federal High Court Chief Judge Over Wife’s $160,000 Cash Interception

Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday interrogated the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for several hours over a large sum of cash reportedly found in his wife’s possession.

An EFCC source told SaharaReporters that the interrogation followed the interception of Justice Tsoho’s wife by EFCC operatives while she was travelling to Benue State.

“EFCC interrogated the Chief Judge, Tsoho, for hours on Tuesday over his wife’s cash haul,” the source said.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the judge’s wife was intercepted on Sunday and returned to Abuja by EFCC officials after the discovery of a large amount of cash.

Sources alleged that about $160,000 was found in her possession at the time of the interception.

“She was intercepted by EFCC operatives while travelling to Benue State and was subsequently returned to Abuja,” a source had said.

“$160,000 cash was reportedly found in her possession at the point of interception.”

The circumstances surrounding the funds and the purpose of the trip have not yet been officially clarified.

The development comes amid growing scrutiny surrounding Justice Tsoho.

The Chief Judge is scheduled to appear before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) on March 16, 2026, over allegations that he failed to properly declare his assets.

A petition accused Justice Tsoho of violating the Code of Conduct law by allegedly failing to disclose three bank accounts with United Bank for Africa (UBA) and another with Access Bank.

If the Code of Conduct Bureau establishes a prima facie case, it could initiate charges against the Chief Judge. A conviction may attract penalties including a prison term of up to 10 years and a 10-year ban from holding public office.

In a statement issued last Monday, the Director of Information of the Federal High Court, Catherine Christopher, said the Chief Judge remains committed to cooperating with the bureau.

According to the statement, Justice Tsoho will appear before the bureau alongside his legal representative, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who is currently outside the country for medical reasons.

“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 said.

It added that Agabi had indicated his readiness to accompany the Chief Judge to the bureau upon his return to Nigeria.

The court also noted that Justice Tsoho had requested that his appearance before the bureau be scheduled from the week beginning March 16 to enable his counsel to be present.

The invitation by the CCB follows an investigation by Premium Times which alleged that Justice Tsoho failed to declare several bank accounts as required by law.

According to the report, in an asset declaration submitted to the CCB on April 29, 2024, the judge allegedly failed to list at least three accounts with UBA and one with Access Bank.

Under Nigerian law, public officers are required to declare all assets, liabilities and bank accounts, including domiciliary accounts.

Failure to do so may attract penalties such as removal from office, forfeiture of undeclared assets and disqualification from holding public office for up to 10 years.

Justice Tsoho has, however, denied the allegations, insisting that he has fully complied with the legal requirements for asset declaration.