The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has denied claims circulating on social media that it arrested a judge of the Federal High Court, Justice James Omotosho, describing the report as false and misleading.
The anti-graft agency said the viral video alleging that its operatives arrested the Abuja-based judge was fabricated and intended to misinform members of the public.
ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, in a statement issued on Tuesday, clarified that the commission neither arrested nor invited the judge for questioning over 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 read.
Odey urged members of the public to disregard the video and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary public anxiety and damaging reputations.
The commission also stressed that it does not have the mandate to investigate serving judicial officers.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the ICPC has no mandate to investigate serving judicial officers. The commission holds the judiciary and its officers in very high regard,” the statement added.
The agency further reiterated its commitment to professionalism and due process in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
It also advised the public to rely only on official communications from the commission when seeking information about its activities.
The clarification comes amid heightened attention on the judiciary following the recent invitation of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, by the Code of Conduct Bureau over allegations of undeclared assets.
Justice Tsoho had confirmed receiving the invitation on March 2 and indicated his readiness to honour it.
According to a statement by the Director of Information of the Federal High Court, Catherine Christopher, the Chief Judge said he would appear before the bureau alongside his legal representative, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who is currently outside the country receiving medical treatment.
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