The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that it arrested or is investigating Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
A viral video had alleged that the anti-graft agency detained the judge over corruption-related allegations, sparking widespread reactions online.
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, ICPC spokesperson John Okor Odey described the claim as false and urged members of the public to ignore the report.
“The commission states categorically that the claim contained in the video is entirely untrue and intended to spread mischief and mislead members of the public,” the statement read.
Odey clarified that the commission had neither invited nor arrested the judge in connection with any investigation.
“ICPC 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,” he said.
The spokesperson further explained that the agency does not possess the legal mandate to probe serving judicial officers, stressing that the ICPC holds the judiciary in high regard.
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“For the avoidance of doubt the ICPC has no mandate to investigate serving judicial Officers. And the Commission is an agency that has very high regards for not only the honourable Justice James Omotosho but for all judicial Officers in Nigeria,” the statement added.
The commission also cautioned the public against spreading unverified information capable of causing reputational damage.
“The commission therefore urges members of the public to disregard the misleading content and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary public concern and damaging reputations.
“The public is also encouraged to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of information circulating in social media before sharing it,” Odey said.
Justice Omotosho has faced waves of online misinformation since 2025 following the conviction and sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), on terrorism-related charges.