The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed reports claiming it arrested James Omotosho, a judge of the federal high court in Abuja.
In a statement on Tuesday, John Odey, the commission’s spokesperson described the claim circulating in a viral social media video as false and misleading.
Odey said the anti-corruption agency neither arrested nor invited the judge in connection with any investigation, urging the public to disregard the report.
According to the statement, “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.”
He added that the ICPC does not have the mandate to investigate serving judicial officers and therefore could not be probing Justice Omotosho as alleged.
“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,” Odey said.
The ICPC spokesperson also urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary public concern and damaging reputations.
“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,” he added.
Justice Omotosho has been the subject of several misinformation campaigns on social media since 2025 following his conviction and sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on terrorism-related charges.
In November 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of terrorism offences.
