…Says Visit Was for Funeral, Not Political Meeting
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The Supreme Court of Nigeria has refuted what it described as “false and mischievous reports” circulating on social media and online platforms, alleging that one of its Justices traveled to Benin City in connection with a recently filed political case.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Dr. Festus Akande, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Supreme Court, clarified that the Justice John Inyang Okoro in question had travelled to Benin on Thursday, June 12, 2025, solely to attend the funeral rites of the late mother of Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo, a senior lawyer and former 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,” the statement read. “This private visit was strictly for the purposes of condolence and bereavement, as is customary and humane.”
Dismissing reports suggesting the Justice held political meetings or lobbied for inclusion in any election petition panel, the Supreme Court emphasized that the Justice only attended the funeral service at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church and a brief service of songs before retiring to his hotel room. According to the Court, he did not attend any further gatherings or receptions.
The Court also responded to a viral image purportedly showing the Justice, stating that it only captured him returning alone to his hotel — a scene which it said offered no credible basis for the sensational claims being made.
“The Supreme Court wishes to state unequivocally that this sort of baseless speculation and malicious conjecture, especially when publicly propagated by persons who ought to know better, is not only unhelpful but also deeply harmful to the integrity of the judiciary,” Akande said.
The apex court urged the public, particularly commentators on judicial matters, to exercise restraint and seek proper clarification through official channels rather than spreading falsehoods that could undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
“The judiciary remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will not be distracted by deliberate attempts to undermine its credibility,” the statement concluded.
The clarification comes amid growing public discourse surrounding judicial ethics, following viral posts by human rights advocate Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, who raised concerns about the optics and timing of the Justice’s visit to Benin shortly after the Edo governorship election appeal was filed.
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