A senior source at the Supreme Court of Nigeria has refuted reports of three additional Justices recusing themselves from the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT) panel responsible for hearing appeals regarding the 2023 elections.

Speaking to our correspondent during the funeral of the late Justice C.C. Nweze in Enugu, the source categorically dismissed the reports as “fake news.” The source asserted that all the Justices mentioned are presently in Enugu to attend the burial, not in Abuja.

Previously, several media outlets had alleged that Justices Musa Dattijo Muhammad, I.N. Saulawa, and Helen M. Ogunwumiju had withdrawn from the 7-member PEPT panel, citing personal reasons. Additionally, there were reports that Helen M. Ogunwumiju recused herself due to alleged links with the APC.

Meanwhile, Justice Musa Dattijo Mohammed will reach the statutory age of 70, according to his birthday published on the National Judicial Council’s website. This will occur four days after the panel’s inauguration.

However, the Supreme Court insider adamantly maintained that these three recusal reports are entirely false, as the aforementioned Justices are currently participating in the funeral service for their colleague, Justice Nweze, in Enugu.

The authoritative source pointed out, “All the Justices mentioned are currently in Enugu for Justice C.C. Nweze’s burial, so I don’t know where this false news is originating. I am also presently in Enugu for the same event.”

Furthermore, the source characterized these reports as blatant misinformation and urged journalists to consistently verify sensitive stories before publication.

The Supreme Court is currently addressing multiple appeals challenging President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the February 25 presidential polls.