March 8, 2026
News | Exclusive
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have reportedly intercepted the wife of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, while she was travelling with a large amount of foreign currency.
Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that the woman was stopped by EFCC operatives while on a trip to Benue State and was subsequently escorted back to Abuja for questioning.
According to the sources, officials 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 returned to Abuja,” a source said. “About $160,000 cash was reportedly found with her during the interception.”
Authorities have yet to clarify the origin of the funds or the purpose of the trip.
Probe Intensifies Around Chief Judge
The development comes amid growing scrutiny surrounding Justice Tsoho, who is expected to appear before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over allegations linked to his asset declarations.
The Chief Judge has been invited to the bureau over claims that he allegedly failed to fully disclose some assets in his declaration filings.
According to a petition before the bureau, Justice Tsoho allegedly did not list three bank accounts with United Bank for Africa and another account with Access Bank in his submitted asset declaration documents.
Under Nigerian law, public officials are required to disclose all assets, liabilities and bank accounts — including domiciliary accounts — to the Code of Conduct Bureau.
Failure to fully declare assets could constitute a breach of the Code of Conduct regulations and may attract serious penalties if proven.
Legal provisions allow for removal from office, forfeiture of undeclared assets, and disqualification from holding public office for up to 10 years upon conviction.
Chief Judge Pledges Cooperation
In response to the allegations, the Federal High Court said Justice Tsoho remains willing to cooperate with the investigation.
In a statement issued by the court’s Director of Information, Catherine Christopher, the Chief Judge confirmed that he would honour the invitation from the bureau alongside his legal representative, Kanu Godwin Agabi (SAN).
Agabi was said to be outside the country for medical reasons but has indicated his readiness to accompany the Chief Judge to the bureau upon his return to Nigeria.
The court further explained that Justice Tsoho requested that the bureau schedule his appearance from the week beginning March 16, 2026, to allow his counsel to be present.
Allegations Denied
Justice Tsoho has denied the allegations of incomplete asset declaration, insisting that he has complied fully with all legal requirements.
The invitation from the Code of Conduct Bureau reportedly followed findings from an investigation which raised questions about the completeness of his asset declaration submitted in April 2024.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission nor the office of the Chief Judge has issued an official statement confirming the circumstances surrounding the interception of his wife or the alleged cash discovered in her possession.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more details emerge.
