Supreme Court reacts to allegation on Justice Okoro’s visit to Benin

The Supreme Court has rejected claims making rounds on social media and certain online news sites that one of its justices traveled to Benin City in relation to a pending political appeal, calling such reports “false and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday by Festus Akande, the court’s Director of Press and Information, it was clarified that the justice referred to—identified in some publications as Justice John Okoro—visited Benin City solely to attend funeral activities for the mother of Hannibal Uwaifo, a senior advocate and former African Bar Association President.

“The Honourable Justice formally sought and obtained permission from the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria before embarking on the trip,” Akande stated.

He explained that the visit was personal and solely intended as a condolence gesture.

Justice Okoro, the court said, attended a funeral mass at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church and a brief service of songs, after which he returned to his hotel. The court emphasized that he did not take part in any political event or meeting.

A photo circulating online purporting to show the justice engaged in political dealings was also addressed by the court, which described the image as misrepresented.

“The image merely shows the justice returning alone to his hotel,” the statement noted, dismissing the allegations as “sensational” and “baseless.”

The court expressed concern over the potential damage such unfounded accusations could inflict on the judiciary’s reputation, warning that this could weaken public confidence in the institution.

“We strongly urge members of the public to exercise responsibility and discretion when discussing judicial matters,” Akande added.

The court’s response follows a Friday report by Sahara Reporters that alleged Justice Okoro was spotted at the Protea Hotel in Benin City with Edo State Attorney General Samson Osagie. The report, which cited an unnamed source, claimed that both men were en route to meet Governor Monday Okpebholo to discuss the composition of the Supreme Court panel set to hear the case challenging the governor’s election win.

“Justice Okoro is lobbying to be on the Supreme Court panel to hear the case challenging Governor Okpebholo’s election,” the source reportedly said. “He is lobbying to be the chairman of the Supreme Court appeal panel.”

The same source alleged that the meeting was aimed at securing direct access to the governor. A video accompanying the report appears to show the justice in the hotel lobby, but the footage lacks clarity and does not conclusively support the claim.

Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission and human rights lawyer, Chidi Odinkalu, also weighed in on the controversy via a post on X (formerly Twitter).

“Shortly after 8pm last night, a senior, male JSC left Protea Hotel (near ShopRite in Benin) in the company of the Edo State Attorney-Gen. How so?!” Odinkalu wrote.