News
Alleged N5m Bribery: Why Chief Judge Tsoho, is been blackmailed
Indications emerged that the allegations against the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, over a petition of involvement in an alleged $5 million bribery scheme aimed at overturning a court order restraining Nestoil Limited and its affiliates from tampering with their assets in a $1 billion debt recovery dispute is baseless and mere distractions.
Three petitions were written against Justice Dehinde Dipeolu, one by the fourth defendant in the matter and two by the defendant lawyer himself Mofesomo Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, to the Chief Judge of the Federal High, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, who directed the trial judge to respond within 14 days.
The allegations surfaced barely one week after Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos granted a Mareva injunction inSuit No. FHC/L/CS/2127/2025, empowering First Trustees Limited and FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited to take possession of Nestoil’s assets pending determination of the case.
Investigations by our judiciary correspondent revealed that the story flying on some online platforms is aimed at diverting attention on the issues raised in the matter.
The investigation has revealed that on 22nd day of October, 2025 in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/2127/2025 between FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited & 1 Other vs Nestoil Limited and others, the Federal High Court made Ex-parte orders which:
- Were the same in all respects to those contained in the Motion on Notice and in the Originating Summons. In such a situation, granting the orders ex-parte will amount to determining the substantive suit and courts are enjoined to hear both parties before making such orders.
- Apart from directing the Nigerian Police to assist the Receiver in carrying out the functions as directed by the court, it went ahead to also direct the Navy and the DSS to equally assist as contained in Order 7 in the attached ruling of the Court.
- Thirdly, while Order 5 of the Ruling empowered the receiver to take over the assets of Nestoil Limited under the Receivership, which he was duty bound to preserve, Order 8 thereof, contrary to the preservative order, empowered the Receiver to dispose of the assets of the defendants, including the sale of crude oil. These two orders are clearly conflicting and mutually exclusive but were granted ex-parte.
- Fourthly, the life span of ex-parte orders is for 14 days. Courts of law have been admonished not to grant far-reaching orders without putting the adverse party on notice in accordance with the Constitutional right to fair hearing.
Faced with the weighty allegations contained in the said petitions, the Trial Judge, Hon. Justice D.I. Dipeolu was directed to respond within Seven days and to stay further proceedings within the period in order to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary.
Further findings revealed that the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, never asked Justice Dehinde Dipeolu, to recuse himself from the matter but, excersing his constitutional duties only asked the trial judge to respond to the petitions written against him.
Further investigations by judiciary correspondents, further that the story over allegations bordering on bribery against the Chief Judge of the Federal High, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, is a pure case of blackmail and mischief.
See the attached Ruling of the Court
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
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