NJC Refutes Rumours of Deaths Among Presidential Election Petition Judges

Our reporter

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has dismissed recent online rumours claiming that two judges, Justices Mistura Bolaji-Yusuf and Boloukuoromo Moses Ugo, who affirmed President Bola Tinubu's 2023 election victory, passed away suddenly.

The unfounded reports alleged that both judges died under mysterious circumstances.

 

The false reports circulated on social media claimed Justice Bolaji-Yusuf was found unresponsive by her family after being in good health the previous evening, while Justice Ugo was supposedly discovered dead after a loud noise was heard from his room around 2 a.m.

 

NJC Secretary Ahmed Gambo Saleh quickly responded to these allegations, labeling them as "completely false." He assured the public that both judges are alive, well, and actively performing their judicial duties. “It is a lie; they are alive and well and doing their jobs,” he stated emphatically.

 

A source close to the council confirmed speaking with Justice Bolaji-Yusuf on Monday, adding further clarity to the situation. “I called her on Monday afternoon, and she answered. We spoke briefly,” the source confirmed.

 

Similarly, a staff member at the Court of Appeal refuted the claims, describing them as “mischievous and unfortunate.” He urged the public to disregard these baseless reports, emphasizing that the judges are in good health. "Their Lordships are well, and it is most unfortunate that mischief-makers would fabricate such news," he added.

 

The NJC has condemned the spread of false information about the judiciary, underscoring the importance of relying on verified news sources and maintaining respect for the judicial officers who uphold the nation’s laws.