Supreme Court Refutes Allegation their Justice’s Trip to Benin City was for Political Case

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has refuted allegations circulating on social media and certain online platforms that a Justice of the apex court travelled to Benin City for reasons related to a political case.

In a press statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr. Festus Akande, on Saturday, the Supreme Court clarified that the Justice in question had travelled to Benin City on Thursday, June 12, 2025, solely to attend the funeral rites of the late mother of Mr. Hannibal Uwaifo, a prominent member of the legal profession and former President of the African Bar Association.

The statement emphasised that the trip was strictly personal, with the Justice having sought and received prior approval from the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“This private visit was strictly for the purposes of condolence and bereavement as is customary and humane,” the statement noted. The court explained that the Justice’s attendance at the funeral was a mark of respect for the deceased and a gesture of sympathy to the bereaved family.

According to the statement, the events attended by the Justice were limited to a funeral service at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church and a service of songs, after which the Justice returned to his hotel without attending any further gatherings or receptions.

The court categorically denied the Justice’s involvement in political meetings or any attempts to influence judicial proceedings.

“The Honourable Justice neither attended any political meeting nor solicited for inclusion on any panel as falsely alleged,” the statement explained.

The Supreme Court’s swift response to the allegations is seen as a move to maintain the integrity and independence of the judiciary, and to reassure the public of the court’s commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness.

The court’s statement has helped to clear the air and put to rest the speculative reports that had been circulating on social media and other online platforms.

It is worth noting that the allegations against the Justice were baseless and lacked any credible evidence.

The Supreme Court’s investigation into the matter revealed that the Justice had followed all necessary protocols and procedures in seeking approval for the trip, and that the trip was solely for personal and humanitarian reasons.

The Supreme Court’s statement has helped to maintain public trust and confidence in the judiciary, and has demonstrated the court’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

The court’s swift response to the allegations has also helped to prevent the spread of misinformation and to protect the reputation of the Justice and the judiciary as a whole.