The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed viral reports that it arrested or is investigating Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
A video circulating on social media had alleged that the anti-graft agency detained the judge over corruption allegations, leading to speculations online.
However, in a statement released Tuesday, the commission’s spokesperson, John Okor Odey, described the claim as false and misleading, urging Nigerians to ignore it.
“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 reads.
“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.
“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.
“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 public is also encouraged to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of information circulating in social media before sharing it.”
Justice Omotosho has faced repeated waves of misinformation since 2025, particularly after presiding over the high-profile terrorism trial involving Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
On November 20, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment after convicting him on terrorism-related charges. Since the verdict, several unverified reports have circulated online, including claims that the judge narrowly escaped an assassination attempt and that he had been invited by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Court authorities had earlier dismissed those reports as false, describing them as part of a coordinated disinformation campaign targeting the judge.
