The Supreme Court of Nigeria has denied reports claiming that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, had met with the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, in London. The apex court’s spokesperson, Dr Festus Akande, confirmed to THISDAY that there was no truth in the viral reports on social media.
Tinubu was declared the February 25 presidential election a winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Still, four political parties and their presidential candidates have filed petitions in court challenging the victory.
While Tinubu’s media aide had earlier confirmed that the president-elect was in the United Kingdom to rest after the rigorous campaign, reports of his alleged meeting with the CJN had taken over social media.
Akande clarified that there was no connection between the CJN’s trip and that of Tinubu. He also confirmed that Ariwoola had been in Nigeria, presiding over meetings of the National Judicial Council (NJC) held on 16 and 17 March.
Ariwoola, in company with NJC’s Secretary, Gambo Saleh, had travelled to London on 18 March for medical care after the NJC meeting. He returned from his medical trip on 23 March and resumed work the same day.
Before the CJN’s trip, Ariwoola had notified President Muhammadu Buhari of his travel plans. The only time the CJN had travelled earlier this year was on 25 January for Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Ariwoola was seen attending Jumat prayers at a mosque within the precincts of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday.
