Supreme Court Speaks On CJN Traveling Outside Nigeria, Gives Reason

The Supreme Court on Friday debunked the claims that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola met with the President-elect, Bola Tinubu in London.

There had been reports that Tinubu met with Ariwoola in London over the suits filed against him by opposition parties over his victory in the 2023 presidential election.

The spokesperson of the Supreme Court, Festus Akande, in reaction to reports described it as false.

Akande noted that though Ariwoola travelled out of the country, he was out for medical care and not to meet with Tinubu.

He told Premium Times. “the CJN has been in Nigeria, and presided over meetings of the National Judicial Council (NJC) held on 16 and 17 March.”

Akande explained that the CJN only travelled out of Nigeria briefly to London on 18 March for medical care.

According to him, the CJN was accompanied by NJC’s Secretary, Gambo Saleh.

Akande added, “On 23 March, the CJN returned from his medical trip to London and later reported in the office (in Abuja), where he worked till 8 p.m.

“The only time the CJN travelled earlier this year was on 25 January, when he travelled for Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia. He returned on 29 January 2023.”