The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has dismissed as false a viral video circulating on social media claiming that it arrested Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement on Tuesday by its spokesman, John Odey, the commission said the claim contained in the video was entirely untrue and intended to mislead members of the public.
According to the ICPC, it has neither arrested nor invited Justice Omotosho for questioning in relation to any investigation.
“The commission wishes to clarify that it has neither arrested nor invited Justice James Omotosho in relation to any investigation. The commission is also not investigating the honourable judge as alleged in the video,” the statement said.
The anti-corruption agency further urged members of the public to disregard the misleading content and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary public concern and damaging reputations.
The ICPC also stated that it does not have the mandate to investigate serving judicial officers, noting that it holds the judiciary and its officers in high regard.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the ICPC has no mandate to investigate serving judicial officers.
The commission has very high regard not only for the honourable Justice James Omotosho but for all judicial officers in Nigeria,” the statement added.
The commission reiterated its commitment to professionalism and due process in carrying out its statutory responsibilities and advised the public to rely only on official communication from the agency for accurate information regarding its activities.
The ICPC also encouraged the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of information circulating on social media before sharing it.
This is coming days after the Code of Conduct Bureau invited the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, over allegations of undeclared assets.
Justice Tsoho on March 2 confirmed receiving an invitation from the Code of Conduct Bureau and indicated his readiness to appear before the agency.
In a statement by the Director of Information of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Catherine Christopher, he clarified that he would be accompanied by his legal representative, Kanu Agabi, SAN, who is currently outside the country for medical treatment.
