Lokoja – The High Court of Justice, Kogi State, has dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that it ordered the deregistration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting that no such case was ever filed or determined before the court.
In an official statement issued on Thursday by the court’s Chief Information Officer, Saqeeb Saeed, the judiciary categorically denied any involvement in matters concerning the registration or deregistration of the NDC or any other political party.
The court described the viral publication as fabricated and urged Nigerians to disregard the claim, stressing that it did not originate from the Kogi State High Court.
According to the statement, “The High Court of Justice of Kogi State did not handle any matter relating to the registration or deregistration of any political party in the country, and particularly the party in question, nor any other matter concerning the political party.”
The judiciary also condemned the use of photographs of the Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Joe Majebi, alongside that of former Governor Yahaya Bello in the viral post, saying the images were deliberately used to create the false impression that the alleged decision emanated from the state judiciary.
It noted that while the court generally avoids responding to misinformation on social media, the misuse of the Chief Judge’s image made it imperative to publicly clarify the facts and safeguard the credibility of the judicial system.
The court warned bloggers, content creators, and social media users against disseminating unverified information capable of misleading the public or eroding confidence in the administration of justice, emphasizing that false reports involving judicial proceedings could have serious consequences.
Reaffirming its commitment to fairness, impartiality, and the rule of law, the Kogi State High Court urged members of the public to rely on official court communications and verified sources for information concerning judicial decisions.
The clarification comes amid widespread online speculation over the legal status of the NDC, with the judiciary insisting that the alleged deregistration order is entirely fictitious and has no connection with the Kogi State High Court.
