The Citizens Advocacy for Social & Economic Rights (CASER) has urged the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho, OFR, to take a firm stance against individuals and groups disseminating false information aimed at discrediting the judiciary.
In a strongly worded letter signed by Frank Tietie, Esq.Lead Advocate & Executive Director ,CASER expressed grave concerns over what it described as a calculated attempt to undermine Nigeria’s judicial system through baseless accusations and social media misinformation. The advocacy group referenced a recent report by Sahara Reporters, which alleged that Jackson Ude of Point Blank News made claims of blackmail against the Chief Judge and other judges in the case involving General Hydrocarbons Ltd.
The organization warned that continued silence by the judiciary on such matters could embolden rogue elements and erode public trust in the legal system. CASER called for immediate investigations and prosecution of those responsible for spreading falsehoods about judicial officers.
CASER stressed that protecting the judiciary’s integrity is a national duty, urging immediate legal action to deter the spread of fake news that could destabilize the country. The group reaffirmed its commitment to defending the independence of the judiciary against attacks driven by misinformation.
Below is the full text of the letter sent to the Chief Judge:
The Hon. Justice John Tsoho, OFR
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court
Federal High Court Complex
Shehu Shagari Way, Central District
Abuja
SILENCE IS NO LONGER GOLDEN: THE NEED TO TAKE EXCEPTION TO DENIGRATING STATEMENTS AND UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE NIGERIAN JUDICIARY BY INVESTIGATING AND PROSECUTING PERPETRATORS OF FAKE NEWS AND MISINFORMATION
The Citizens Advocacy for Social & Economic Rights (CASER) is increasingly concerned about the presence of subversive elements both within and outside Nigeria that aim to undermine the stability of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by tarnishing the public image of the Nigerian judiciary. This behaviour is unacceptable!
A recent incident involving Sahara Reporters reported that Jackson Ude of Point Blank News made unfounded accusations against the Chief Judge and other judges of the Federal High Court, claiming they were being blackmailed in the case against General Hydrocarbons Ltd. (See attachment).
It has become common for unscrupulous litigants to hire social media influencers to attack the reputation of the judiciary, including its judges, without any evidence—especially when court decisions don’t favor them. If this trend is not addressed, it may erode public trust in the judiciary, potentially leading to anarchy and a breakdown of public order. Such a situation would render the legal system ineffective as the primary means for resolving disputes and conflicts.
We at CASER are further troubled by the judiciary’s silence in the face of these unfounded attacks on its integrity. This silence, stemming from its conservative leanings, allows these criminal elements to use the judiciary as a scapegoat to intimidate and harass many judicial officers, both men and women, who continue to uphold the tenets of justice, including impartiality, independence, and integrity.
Therefore, we urge Your Lordship not to ignore this particular matter. It should serve as a reminder of how seriously unacceptable such unfounded accusations against the judiciary are. Those responsible for perpetrating these attacks, whether inside or outside Nigeria, must be investigated and prosecuted.
Efforts must be made to restore the public image of the judiciary, which has been unfairly tarnished by these individuals who abuse social media.
The judiciary plays a crucial role in maintaining and preserving order for the present and future survival of Nigeria, with no acceptable alternative. Thus, all men and women of goodwill must resist and combat any attempts to undermine it.
FOR: CITIZENS ADVOCACY FOR SOCIAL & ECONOMIC RIGHTS (CASER)
Frank Tietie, Esq.
Lead Advocate & Executive Director
