CHRICED raises alarm over alleged pressure on Tinubu to halt probe of Abuja Chief Judge

Stanley Ihedigbo

Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has raised serious concerns over alleged moves by political and institutional actors to influence the ongoing investigation into the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice John Tsoho.

In a press statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Zikirullahi M. Ibrahim, the organisation warned that any attempt to pressure Bola Ahmed Tinubu to interfere in the probe would undermine the rule of law and weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

CHRICED said it was disturbed by reports, including those by Premium Times, indicating that influential figures within the political and judicial space were lobbying the Presidency to halt, delay, or water down the investigation being conducted by the Code of Conduct Bureau.

The Bureau is reportedly probing allegations that Justice John Tsoho failed to fully declare certain assets as required under Nigerian law.

Describing the development as troubling, CHRICED stressed that the independence of anti-corruption institutions must be protected at all costs.

“The independence of Nigeria’s accountability institutions is non-negotiable. Any direct or indirect attempt to obstruct the lawful work of the Code of Conduct Bureau would erode public trust and weaken governance structures,” the statement read.

The group emphasised that asset declaration laws are fundamental to promoting transparency and accountability in public service, noting that such legal requirements must apply equally to all public officials, irrespective of their status or influence.

It recalled that a similar breach led to the removal of Walter Onnoghen in 2019 under the administration of Muhammadu Buhari, stressing that allowing selective accountability would send a dangerous signal that some individuals are above the law.

CHRICED further stated that the judiciary, as the custodian of justice, must be held to the highest ethical standards, especially given its role in adjudicating sensitive political and economic disputes.

According to the organisation, the best way to protect the credibility of the judiciary is to ensure that the ongoing investigation is conducted transparently, professionally, and without interference.

It warned that any executive intrusion into the matter could damage the anti-corruption image of the current administration and set a dangerous precedent for future political interference.

While affirming that every citizen, including judicial officers, is entitled to the presumption of innocence, CHRICED noted that such rights do not preclude lawful investigation and accountability.

The organisation also called on the National Judicial Council to handle the matter in a way that restores public confidence in the judiciary, which it said is currently facing widespread allegations of corruption.

CHRICED urged the media, civil society organisations, and Nigerians at large to continue advocating for transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law, particularly within the justice sector.

It concluded that Nigeria’s democracy can only be strengthened when institutions are allowed to function independently and without political interference.

“Accountability mechanisms must operate freely and without fear or favour if the nation’s democratic institutions are to endure,” the statement added.