A pastor, Ebebe Ukpong, who was accused by Justice Inyang Okoro of leading the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Akwa Ibom, Umana Umana to him (Okoro) to influence the decision in the Supreme Court has denied the allegations, The Punch reports.

In a statement issued by Ukpong on Thursday he said no such meeting happened.

“I have never led anyone to Justice Okoro nor attended any meeting in his house where the issue of bribery, corruption of any kind or perversion of justice was discussed.

“Of course, I could never have and will never contemplate such as it is against my personal principles informed by my relationship with the Almighty God. I stand always for the truth, integrity and fairness,” the statement added.

He further said, “I have read in the social media and several newspapers since the night of Tuesday, October 18, 2016, a letter purportedly written by Honourable Justice John I Okoro, JSC, and addressed to the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, National Judicial Council.

“In the said letter, Justice Okoro alleged that I led Mr. Umana  Umana to visit with him in his residence without giving any details of such visit. Many reactions have followed. I’m constrained to make this statement for record purpose: I have known, in adult context, Hon. Justice Okoro for more than three decades now. He is my brother.

“I have never led anyone to Justice Okoro nor attended any meeting in his house where the issue of bribery, corruption of any kind or perversion of justice was discussed. Of course, I could never have and will never contemplate such as it is against my personal principles informed by my relationship with the Almighty God. I stand always for the truth, integrity and fairness.”