The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has denied claims that it arrested or is investigating Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
A viral video circulating on social media had alleged that the anti-corruption agency arrested the judge and had begun investigating him over corruption allegations.
ICPC dismisses viral claim
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the commission’s spokesperson, John Okor Odey, described the claim as false and urged the public to disregard it.
According to him, the ICPC neither arrested nor invited Justice Omotosho for questioning.
“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.
“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.”
Commission says it cannot investigate serving judges
Odey further explained that the commission does not have the legal mandate to investigate serving judicial officers.
He therefore called on members of the public to disregard the circulating claims and avoid sharing unverified information.
“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 statement added.
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“For the avoidance of doubt, the ICPC has no mandate to investigate serving judicial officers. The commission holds not only the Honourable Justice James Omotosho but all judicial officers in Nigeria in very high regard.
“The public is also encouraged to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of information circulating on social media before sharing it.”
Judge previously targeted by disinformation
Justice Omotosho has been the subject of several disinformation campaigns since 2025, particularly following the conviction and sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), on terrorism-related charges.
A few days after the judgment, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed reports claiming that the judge narrowly escaped an assassination attempt after delivering the verdict.
There were also claims on social media that Omotosho had been invited by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the conviction.
On November 20, 2025, Justice Omotosho sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of terrorism charges.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
