The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed reports that it arrested Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The anti-graft commission, in a statement on Tuesday, signed by his spokesperson, J. Okor Odey, described a trending social media video alleging the arrest of Justice Omotosho as false.
Papers News understands that the video claimed that the ICPC is prosecuting the judge for corruption-related offences, leading to his conviction and a seven-year prison sentence, alongside his permanent removal from the bench.
It further alleged that the findings were submitted to the National Judicial Council, which supposedly ordered his removal from the judiciary and imposed a lifetime ban preventing him from holding any public office in Nigeria.
However, the ICPC clarified that it has neither arrested nor invited Justice Omotosho for any investigation as claimed in the video and therefore urged members of the public to disregard the video in question.
“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.
“ICPC wishes to clarify that it has neither arrested nor invited Justice James Omotosho in relation to any investigation,” the statement said.
It also emphasised that it has no legal mandate to investigate serving judicial officers, stressing that it holds members of the judiciary, including Justice Omotosho, in high regard.
“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 statement added.
