The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has denied claims circulating on social media that it arrested or is investigating Justice James Omotosho, a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the commission’s spokesperson, John Odey, described the viral video making the allegation as false and misleading.
He stated that the anti-corruption agency has neither arrested nor invited Justice Omotosho for questioning over any matter. According to the commission, the information being spread online was intended to create confusion and misinform the public.
The ICPC emphasized that it is not currently investigating the judge and urged members of the public to disregard the video and avoid sharing unverified information that could damage reputations or cause unnecessary public concern.
The commission further explained that it does not have the authority to investigate serving judicial officers and reaffirmed its respect for the judiciary and its members, including Justice Omotosho.
Justice Omotosho, who serves at the Abuja division of the Federal High Court, has handled several high-profile cases in recent years. One of the most notable was the trial of Biafra agitator Nnamdi Kanu, whom he sentenced to life imprisonment last November.
The rumours about the judge’s alleged arrest surfaced at a time when the National Judicial Council (NJC) is reportedly conducting quiet but extensive investigations into the activities of some senior judicial officers in Nigeria.
Amid these developments, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) recently summoned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, over allegations that he failed to declare some of his bank accounts, which could violate the country’s code of conduct laws.
The Federal High Court in Abuja confirmed the invitation and stated that Justice Tsoho would cooperate with the bureau.
However, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) criticized the move, arguing that based on judicial precedent, a sitting judge should not be investigated or prosecuted by any agency unless the National Judicial Council has first taken disciplinary action.
