The Supreme Court of Nigeria has refuted claims circulating on social media and certain online platforms alleging that one of its Justices visited Benin City in relation to a newly filed political case before the Court.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr. Festus Akande, the Court explained that the Justice’s visit to Benin on Thursday, June 12, 2025, was solely to attend the funeral of the late mother of Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo, a prominent senior lawyer and former President of the African Bar Association.
“The Honourable Justice sought and obtained prior approval from the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) before embarking on the trip,” the statement read, adding that the visit was purely personal and focused on condolence and bereavement.
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The Supreme Court dismissed the circulating online rumours as “false and mischievous,” firmly stating that the Justice in question neither attended any political gathering nor sought inclusion on any case panel, contrary to the allegations.
According to the Court’s statement, the Justice only participated in the funeral service held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church and briefly attended a service of songs before returning directly to his hotel room.
The Court also responded to a photo being shared online as supposed “evidence,” clarifying that it merely showed the Justice walking alone back to his hotel and did not indicate any wrongdoing.
Condemning the spread of “baseless speculation and malicious conjecture,” the Supreme Court warned that such unfounded claims could erode 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, urging the public and commentators to verify facts through official channels before spreading unconfirmed reports.
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