Legal and ethical questions have surfaced following an allegation by prominent human rights lawyer and judicial reform advocate, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, concerning a reported late-night encounter between Supreme Court Justice Inyang Okoro and the Edo State Attorney General, Hon. Samson Osagie.
In a series of social media posts, Prof. Odinkalu stated that on the evening of June 12, Justice Okoro was seen at the premises of Protea Hotel, near ShopRite in Benin City, in the company of the Attorney General. According to the professor, the meeting occurred shortly after 8 p.m.
Prof. Odinkalu also shared a short video clip, in which a man he identified as Justice Okoro was seen at the reception area of the hotel. The footage appeared to show a man matching the Justice’s profile speaking briefly with reception staff before walking out of frame.
The timing of the alleged encounter has raised particular concern, coming just two days after Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State, filed a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court. The appeal challenges the Court of Appeal’s decision affirming the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Justice Okoro, a senior member of Nigeria’s apex court, is not unfamiliar with controversy. In 2016, he was among several justices arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) during a widely publicized anti-corruption sweep. Though never formally charged and later reinstated to the bench, the episode remains a touchstone in debates around judicial integrity in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers underscores the importance of both propriety and the appearance of propriety. Judges are expected to avoid private or social interactions that could create the perception of bias or special relationships with parties who have matters before the court. The Code explicitly warns that judicial officers must be mindful of how their conduct appears to the public and avoid situations that could undermine confidence in their impartiality.
In one of his posts, Prof. Odinkalu wrote:
“Three days ago, on 10 June, Asue Ighodalo appealed to the Supreme Court against the decision of the Court of Appeal in the governorship petition. Shortly after 8 p.m. last night, a senior, male JSC left Protea Hotel (near ShopRite in Benin) in the company of the Edo State Attorney-Gen. How so?!”
When contacted for comment, Attorney General Samson Osagie denied the report, stating that he does not know the judge in question. He added, “It is not an offense to walk about freely,” but declined to provide further clarification.
Prof. Odinkalu, a former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, has been a consistent voice on the need for transparency in judicial conduct. Reiterating the core principle of public trust in the justice system, he noted, “Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to have been done.”
Neither Justice Okoro nor the National Juducial Council have responded to these allegations.
https://x.com/chidiodinkalu/status/1933506962391449826?s=46
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