The Supreme Court of Nigeria has refuted claims that Justice Emmanuel Agim accompanied the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to the University of Calabar’s convocation ceremony.

In a statement on Monday, the Supreme Court’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Akande Festus, clarified that Justice Agim attended the event independently as an honouree and alumnus. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law by the university’s Governing Council.

“It has come to our attention that misleading information has emerged, suggesting that Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agim accompanied the Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to the ceremony. We hereby dispel this false narrative,” Festus stated.

The Supreme Court explained that Justice Agim was recognized for his contributions to the legal profession and his commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law.

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According to the statement, Justice Agim was originally scheduled to attend the burial of Justice Stanley Alagoa in Bayelsa State alongside other Supreme Court Justices but sought permission to attend the University of Calabar convocation instead.

The court emphasized that Justice Agim’s attendance was personal and not in any official capacity on behalf of any government ministry or department.

“Any insinuation to the contrary is not only inaccurate but undermines the judicial independence that is crucial to our democracy,” the statement added.

The Supreme Court urged the public and media to verify information through credible sources before publication to prevent the spread of misinformation.