Sunday June 15, 2025|
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed reports circulating on social media and some online platforms alleging that one of its Justices travelled to Benin City in connection with a recently filed political case before the Court.
In a press statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr Festus Akande, on Saturday, the Court clarified that the Justice in question visited Benin on Thursday, 12 June 2025, solely to attend the funeral rites of the late mother of Mr Hannibal Uwaifo, a respected senior legal practitioner 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.
Dismissing the online rumours as “falsehood and mischievous reports,” the Supreme Court emphasised that the Justice did not attend any political meeting or lobby for a place on any case panel, contrary to what was alleged.
The only events attended by the Justice were the funeral service at St Matthew’s Catholic Church and a brief stop at a service of songs. Afterwards, the Justice returned directly to his hotel room, the statement noted.
The Court also addressed an image being circulated online as supposed “evidence,” stating that it simply showed the Justice returning alone to his hotel — not proof of any impropriety.
Condemning the spread of such “baseless speculation and malicious conjecture,” the Supreme Court warned that unfounded narratives of this nature risk undermining public trust 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.
Supreme Court Dispels Rumours Over Justice’s Visit To Benin City
