Lawyers file petitions against Chief Judge over alleged discriminatory, prejudicial actions
An association representing Nigerian legislative lawyers has submitted petitions against Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, alleging discriminatory actions toward non-litigation legal practitioners. The group, known as the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP), is seeking an investigation by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
In a petition signed by Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, ALDRAP claims that Justice Tsoho has hindered efforts to establish a new rank for non-litigation lawyers, termed “Blue Silks.” This proposed title would serve as an alternative to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) status typically awarded to litigation-focused lawyers by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC).
The allegations, outlined in a document dated August 18, 2026, involve actions taken by the Chief Judge regarding a pending case between ALDRAP and the LPPC. ALDRAP asserts that it is inappropriate for Justice Tsoho to oversee an investigation related to the same subject as an active lawsuit in which he is involved.
The petition states, “Is it not a violation of the judicial code of conduct for the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court before whom a lawsuit was pending… to sit as the Chief Judge on a panel to conduct a separate investigation and indeed pass prejudicial comments?”
Furthermore, ALDRAP contends that Justice Tsoho and his investigation team exhibited bias against the proposed Blue Silks rank, suggesting they had pre-determined its illegality. The organization argues that this bias could have influenced the judgment rendered by Hon. Justice James Omotosho on May 13, 2026.
ALDRAP is also questioning the rationale behind Justice Tsoho’s reassignment of the lawsuit to Hon. Justice Omotosho after it had been initially assigned to Hon. Justice Mohammed Garba Umar. The petition raises concerns about whether this action was intended to influence the outcome in favor of established legal interests.
In a separate petition dated August 19, 2027, ALDRAP called on the CCB to examine potential conflicts of interest arising from Justice Tsoho serving as chair of a panel investigating three SANs affiliated with ALDRAP. The organization claims that his involvement constituted a violation of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act of 1991.
ALDRAP stated that Justice Tsoho should have refrained from participating in the panel until the court case concerning the Blue Silks rank was concluded, labeling his actions as an abuse of power.
The organization emphasized that it is prepared to provide further evidence to support its allegations and is urging a thorough investigation by relevant authorities to uphold legal integrity.
