The Supreme Court of Nigeria has issued a stern warning against the spread of falsehoods and mischievous reports targeting its justices and the judiciary as an institution. In a statement released on Saturday, the apex court emphasized that it would no longer tolerate deliberate propagation of untruths aimed at undermining the integrity of individual justices and the judicial system.
The warning comes in response to allegations circulating on social media claiming that one of the Supreme Court justices traveled to Benin City in connection with a political case recently filed before the court.
Setting the Record Straight
Dr. Festus Akande, Director of Information and Public Relations of the Supreme Court, clarified the situation in the official statement. According to Akande, the justice in question did travel to Benin City on Thursday, June 12, 2025, but the purpose was entirely personal – to attend funeral rites for the late mother of Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo, a senior member of the Bar and immediate past President of the African Bar Association.
"Prior to the journey, the said justice formally sought and obtained permission from the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria to embark on the trip. This private visit was strictly for the purposes of condolence and bereavement as is customary and humane," the statement explained.
The Supreme Court categorically denied allegations that the justice attended any political meetings or solicited inclusion on any panel. The statement further clarified that apart from attending the funeral service at St. Matthew's Catholic Church and briefly stopping at the service of songs, the justice retired to his hotel room without participating in any other gatherings or receptions.
Call for Responsible Commentary
The apex court expressed concern over what it described as "baseless speculation and malicious conjecture," particularly when propagated by individuals who should know better. The statement emphasized that such actions are not only unhelpful but deeply harmful to the judiciary's integrity.
"We strongly urge members of the public, especially commentators on judicial matters to exercise responsibility and discretion. Where there is any doubt or lack of clarity, the appropriate step is to seek verification from the Supreme Court through its official communication channels rather than resorting to the spread of falsehoods aimed at maligning the image of the justices or bringing the judiciary into disrepute," the statement read.
The judiciary reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, stating it would not be distracted by deliberate attempts to undermine its credibility.
This incident highlights the growing concern over misinformation on social media platforms and its potential impact on public institutions, particularly the judiciary which relies heavily on public trust and confidence to function effectively.
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