The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has firmly denied reports circulating on social media that it arrested Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged corruption.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the anti-graft agency described the viral claims as false and misleading. The statement was signed by the commission’s spokesperson, J. Okor Odey, who urged the public to disregard the video making the allegations.

According to the ICPC, the viral video falsely claimed that the commission had arrested and prosecuted Justice Omotosho for corruption-related offences. The video also alleged that the judge had been convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison, alongside a permanent removal from the judiciary.

The video further claimed that the findings of the alleged investigation were submitted to the National Judicial Council (NJC), which reportedly ordered his dismissal from the bench and imposed a lifetime ban preventing him from holding any public office in Nigeria.

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Reacting to the claims, the ICPC categorically denied the allegations, stating that Justice Omotosho has neither been arrested nor invited for questioning by the commission.

“The Commission states categorically that the claim contained in the video is entirely untrue and intended to spread mischief and mislead members of the public,” the statement said.

The commission clarified that it has not carried out any investigation involving Justice Omotosho, adding that the information circulating online is completely false.

“ICPC wishes to clarify that it has neither arrested nor invited Justice James Omotosho in relation to any investigation,” the statement added.

The anti-corruption agency also emphasized that it does not have the legal authority to investigate serving judicial officers, explaining that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the National Judicial Council.

According to the commission, the judiciary remains a respected institution, and it maintains a high level of regard for members of the bench.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the ICPC has no mandate to investigate serving judicial officers. The Commission holds in very high regard not only the honourable Justice James Omotosho but all judicial officers in Nigeria,” the statement further noted.

The agency therefore urged members of the public to ignore the misleading video and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of damaging reputations or creating unnecessary public concern.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns about the spread of misinformation on social media platforms, particularly regarding public officials and institutions.

Observers say the ICPC’s swift response highlights the need for accurate information and responsible sharing of news, especially when it concerns sensitive issues involving the judiciary.