Federal High Court Condemns Media Misreport, Confirms Justice Ojukwu Alive and Serving
December 10, 2025
The Federal High Court (FHC) has strongly condemned a circulating media misreport that falsely implied the death of Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Calabar Judicial Division. The court clarified that the judge is alive, healthy, and actively discharging her duties.
Dr. Catherine Christopher, Director of Information at the FHC, issued the formal rebuttal on Wednesday, describing the publications as false, misleading, malicious, and professionally reckless. She noted that some media outlets wrongfully used Justice Ojukwu’s photograph while reporting the murder of retired Delta State High Court Judge, Justice Ifeoma Okogwu.
Justice Okogwu was tragically killed on November 27 in her Asaba residence, where attackers bound her legs and hands before ransacking her home.
Christopher said the wrongful image use caused significant emotional distress to Justice Ojukwu, her family, colleagues, and the judicial community.
“The Federal High Court refutes and strongly condemns the dissemination of false and defamatory publications. For clarity, Honourable Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu is alive and currently serving with distinction,” she stated.
She emphasised that Justice Ojukwu has no link, direct or indirect, to the circumstances surrounding Justice Okogwu’s murder, calling the media misreport defamatory and legally actionable. The court said the act violated fundamental ethical and journalistic standards.
Citing Nigerian defamation laws and the Cybercrimes Act, the court demanded immediate corrective steps from media organisations:
- Removal of all posts, articles, and broadcasts containing the wrongful image
- A clear, public retraction acknowledging the misidentification
- A written apology to Justice Ojukwu published across all platforms where the false content appeared
The court advised media practitioners to exercise strict diligence in verifying facts, especially when reporting on judicial officers whose reputations are crucial to justice administration.
Christopher warned that continued circulation of the false image after the official refutal would be interpreted as deliberate malice, adding that the FHC would not hesitate to initiate civil or criminal proceedings against offenders.
She reaffirmed the court’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity, integrity, and safety of all judicial officers in Nigeria.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news.
