By Jeremy Fregene
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed as false and malicious a video circulating on social media alleging that it arrested James Omotosho, a judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja.
The anti-graft agency made the clarification in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Okor Odey, who described the claim as completely untrue and designed to mislead the public.
According to the commission, the video currently making the rounds online falsely suggests that Justice Omotosho had been arrested or invited for questioning in connection with an investigation.
“The claim contained in the video is entirely untrue and intended to spread mischief and mislead members of the public,” the statement said.
“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 urged members of the public to disregard the misleading content and avoid sharing unverified information capable of causing unnecessary public concern and reputational harm.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the ICPC has no mandate to investigate serving judicial officers,” the statement added.
The anti-corruption agency also emphasised that it holds Justice Omotosho and other members of the judiciary in high regard.
“The Commission is an agency that has very high regard for not only the honourable Justice James Omotosho but for all judicial officers in Nigeria,” it said.
Reiterating its commitment to professionalism and due process, the ICPC advised the public to rely only on its official channels for accurate information about its activities.