The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed claims that it arrested or is investigating James Omotosho, a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
A viral video circulating on social media alleged that the commission had arrested and was probing Omotosho over corruption accusations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, ICPC spokesperson John Okor Odey urged the public to ignore the report, describing it as false.
Odey explained that the commission does not have the authority to investigate serving judicial officers.
“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.”
There have been several disinformation campaigns targeting Omotosho since 2025, following the conviction and sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), on terrorism-related charges.
A few days after the judgement, the Federal High Court in Abuja also dismissed reports claiming that the judge narrowly survived an assassination attempt after Kanu’s sentencing.
Some social media posts further alleged that Omotosho had been invited by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the conviction.
On November 20, 2025, Omotosho sentenced the IPOB leader to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of terrorism offences.