JUST IN: EFCC Grills Chief Judge Tsoho Over Alleged $160,000 Found With Wife

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

A source within the anti-graft agency disclosed that the interrogation followed the discovery of a substantial sum of money linked to the judge’s wife.

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

The development comes after a report on Sunday claimed that Justice Tsoho’s wife was intercepted by EFCC operatives while travelling to Benue State and was later taken back to Abuja.

According to sources familiar with the incident, the operatives allegedly discovered $160,000 in cash 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 earlier said.

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

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

The incident comes amid increasing scrutiny surrounding the Chief Judge.

Meanwhile, Justice Tsoho is expected to appear before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) on March 16, 2026, over allegations that he failed to declare some of his assets as required by law.

A petition accused the Chief Judge of breaching the Code of Conduct law by allegedly failing to disclose several bank accounts, including three accounts with the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and another with Access Bank.

If the bureau establishes a prima facie case, charges could be filed against him. A conviction may attract a prison sentence 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 Justice Tsoho remained committed to cooperating with the bureau.

The statement added that the Chief Judge would appear before the bureau with his legal representative, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kanu Agabi, who was reportedly outside the country for medical reasons.

According to the court, the senior lawyer has indicated his readiness to accompany the Chief Judge to the bureau upon his return to Nigeria.

“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.”

The court also said this position had been formally communicated to the bureau, reaffirming the Chief Judge’s willingness to appear and participate fully in the process in line with the law and constitutional safeguards.

It further disclosed that Justice Tsoho had requested that his appearance be scheduled from the week beginning March 16, which he considered convenient for himself and his counsel.

His planned appearance follows an investigation which alleged that the judge failed to declare some bank accounts as required by law.

The report stated that in an asset declaration submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau on April 29, 2024, Justice Tsoho allegedly failed to list at least three accounts with United Bank for Africa 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.

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

False or incomplete asset declarations may attract penalties including removal from office, disqualification from holding public office for up to 10 years, and the forfeiture of improperly declared assets.

Justice Tsoho’s invitation by the bureau was reportedly issued following the findings of the investigation, although officials have yet to publicly outline the specific allegations against him.

However, the Chief Judge has denied the claims, insisting that he has complied fully with the legal requirements for asset declaration.