By Ayomide Otitoju
Allegations implicating Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, in a purported $5 million bribery scheme to overturn a court order restraining Nestoil Limited and its affiliates from tampering with assets in a $1 billion debt recovery dispute have been described as baseless and intended to distract from the matter at hand.
The claims emerged shortly after Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Lagos, granted a Mareva injunction in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/2127/2025, allowing First Trustees Limited and FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited to take possession of Nestoil’s assets pending resolution of the dispute.
Judiciary investigations revealed that three petitions were filed against Justice Dipeolu—one by the fourth defendant and two by the defendant’s counsel, Mofesomo Tayo Oyetibo, SAN—requesting the Chief Judge’s intervention. In response, Justice Tsoho directed the trial judge to reply within seven days and temporarily stay further proceedings to uphold the integrity of the judicial process.
Key findings from the case indicate that certain ex-parte orders issued on October 22, 2025, in the suit:
- Mirrored motions already filed in the originating summons, which, if granted ex-parte, could affect the substantive suit without hearing both parties.
- Directed the Nigerian Police, Navy, and DSS to assist the receiver, raising questions over the scope of enforcement.
- Contained conflicting orders—one empowering the receiver to preserve Nestoil’s assets, and another allowing disposal of the same assets, including crude oil.
- Exceeded the typical 14-day lifespan for ex-parte orders, potentially violating the constitutional right to fair hearing.
Investigations confirmed that Justice Tsoho never asked Justice Dipeolu to recuse himself; he merely exercised his constitutional duty by requesting a response to the petitions. The allegations of bribery against the Chief Judge have been described by judicial sources as blackmail and mischief aimed at undermining public confidence in the judiciary.
