Why Justice Agim Emmanuel was spotted with Wike at UNICAL Convocation – Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has refuted reports suggesting that Justice Emmanuel Agim accompanied the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to the University of Calabar’s convocation ceremony on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

In a statement signed by its Director of Information & Public Relations, Akande Festus, the apex court dismissed the circulating claims as misleading.

It clarified that Justice Agim attended the convocation as an honouree and alumnus of the institution, where he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law (Doctor Honoris Causa).

The Supreme Court emphasized that his presence at the event was entirely independent and not as a representative of any government body or official.

Part of the statement read, “Justice Agim was recognized for his contributions to the legal profession, demonstrating a strong commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law. His participation in the event was not linked to any government official, serving or retired.”

The court further noted that Justice Agim had originally planned to attend the burial of Justice Stanley Alagoa in Bayelsa State with other Supreme Court Justices but sought permission to be at the convocation instead.

Full statement reads,
“In light of the reports circulating on social media and other news platforms, we wish to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attendance of Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim of the Supreme Court of Nigeria at the convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar on Saturday, 22nd March, 2025.

“It has come to our attention that misleading information has emerged, suggesting that Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agim accompanied the Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike to the ceremony.

“We hereby dispel this false narrative.

“Hon. Justice Agim attended the convocation as an esteemed honouree and an alumnus of the institution, whom the Governing Council had found worthy to be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law (Doctor Honoris Causa).

“He was recognized for his significant contributions to the legal profession; which is a reflection of his commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law, serving as a model for aspiring legal professionals and students alike.

“Hon. Justice Agim was scheduled to attend the burial ceremony of Hon. Justice Stanley Alagoa alongside other Hon. Justices of the Supreme Court in Bayelsa State but sought permission to go for the convocation ceremony.

“We wish to emphasize that Justice Emmanuel Agim’s participation at the ceremony was independent and not as an official representative of any government ministry or department, let alone accompanying any serving or retired government official.

“Any insinuation to the contrary is not only inaccurate but undermines the judicial independence that is crucial to our democracy.

“We encourage the public and media to verify information through credible sources before sharing or publishing to prevent the spread of misinformation.”