ICPC Denies Arrest of Justice James Omotosho

ICPC Denies Arrest of Justice James Omotosho

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed as false claims circulating on social media that it arrested a judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, James Omotosho.

In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja and signed by its spokesperson, Okor Odey, the anti-graft agency described the allegation as “false and malicious,” saying it was intended to mislead the public.

According to the commission, a video currently circulating online had claimed that the ICPC arrested Justice Omotosho, who serves at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The commission, however, categorically denied the claim, insisting that no such action had taken place.

“The claim contained in the video is entirely untrue and intended to spread mischief and mislead members of the public,” the statement said.

ICPC further clarified that it had neither invited nor arrested the judge in connection with 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 added.

The anti-corruption agency also emphasized that it does not have the legal mandate to investigate serving judicial officers, urging the public to disregard the claims.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the ICPC has no mandate to investigate serving judicial officers. The Commission has very high regard not only for Justice James Omotosho but for all judicial officers in Nigeria,” the commission said.

It warned that spreading unverified information could create unnecessary public anxiety and damage reputations.

The commission therefore advised members of the public to rely only on official communications from the agency when seeking information about its activities.

ICPC also urged social media users to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of information before sharing it online.

The agency reiterated its commitment to professionalism and due process in carrying out its statutory responsibilities.