The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has dismissed a viral video alleging that it arrested James Omotosho of the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja.
The commission said the video, which has been widely circulated across social media platforms, is entirely false.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by its spokesperson, Okor Odey, the anti-corruption agency rejected the claim and urged the public to disregard the content.
The ICPC advised members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information, warning that such material could cause unnecessary alarm and damage the reputation of individuals.
The clarification follows the widespread circulation of the video across different social media platforms.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed as false and malicious a video currently circulating on social media alleging that the Commission arrested the honourable, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
“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 Commission is also not investigating the Honourable Judge as alleged in the video.
“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 ICPC said.
The commission reiterated its commitment to professionalism and adherence to due process in carrying out its statutory duties.
It further urged citizens to rely only on official communication from the ICPC for accurate information regarding its activities and encouraged the public to verify the authenticity of claims circulating online before sharing them.
What you should know
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission is one of Nigeria’s major anti-corruption agencies established to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offences in the public sector.
However, by law, the commission does not have the authority to investigate serving judicial officers, as such matters fall under the jurisdiction of judicial oversight bodies.
The ICPC’s clarification came after a viral social media video falsely claimed that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja had been arrested by the agency.
