Prominent human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, has set off a storm of public outrage with claims of possible judicial compromise in the Edo State governorship election petition appeal.

In a post on June 13, 2025, Today, Odinkalu alleged on X (formerly Twitter) that a senior male Justice of the Supreme Court (JSC) was spotted leaving the Protea Hotel in Benin City in the company of the Edo State Attorney-General around 8 PM on June 12.

The revelation comes just days after PDP governorship candidate Asue Ighodalo filed an appeal to the Supreme Court on June 10, challenging the Court of Appeal’s verdict in the contentious Edo election petition.

Odinkalu’s tweet, from his verified account @ChidiOdinkalu, read:

“3 days ago, on 10 June, @Aighodalo appealed to @SupremeCourtNg against the decision of @CourtOfAppealNG in the governorship petition. Shortly after 8pm last night, a senior, male JSC left Protea Hotel (near ShopRite in Benin) in the company of the Edo State Attorney-Gen. How so?!”

The post has ignited fierce reactions from Nigerians, many of whom voiced deepening mistrust in the judiciary. Users on X described the situation as “justice for sale,” with one user calling Nigeria “a crime scene.” Several called for the Supreme Court justice involved to be publicly named and held accountable.

Some users, such as @osime2014 and @Henrolson, warned of a collapse in public confidence if the Supreme Court fails to uphold transparency, while others cited past concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial processes.

Odinkalu’s April 2025 article, “Nigeria and the Fading Lights of Justice,” highlighted a leaked tribunal judgment in the Edo case, suggesting systemic issues in election petition processes. The article detailed how presiding judge Wilfred Kpochi confirmed the judgment’s unanimity to counter leak allegations, a recurring problem in Nigeria’s electoral disputes since 1979.

As public scrutiny intensifies ahead of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the appeal, Odinkalu’s claims have further sharpened national focus on the integrity of Nigeria’s highest court in electoral matters. The Court and Edo State Government have yet to respond to the allegations as of press time.

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