Court Denies Claim Of Assassination Attempt On Justice Omotosho

The Federal High Court has dismissed a viral report alleging that Justice James Omotosho was attacked shortly after sentencing Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment.

The claim, circulated by a blogger on Facebook, suggested that the judge was rushed to a hospital following an early-morning incident on Saturday. The court says the story is completely false.

The Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Sulaiman Hassan, issued a statement on Sunday describing the report as fabricated. He said the publication was aimed at misleading the public and urged Nigerians to disregard it to prevent further spread of false information.

The court called for a full investigation into the origin of the report. Hassan asked security agencies and regulatory bodies to identify and prosecute those behind the false claims, warning that such stories can create panic and undermine trust in the judiciary. He noted that the circulation of fake news could also be an attempt to intimidate judicial officers.

Justice Omotosho had on Thursday sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of multiple terrorism charges. The judge delivered life sentences on counts involving violent threats and actions, while imposing 20 years imprisonment for membership of a proscribed group and five years for unlawful importation of a radio transmitter. He ordered that the latter two sentences run concurrently.

In delivering the judgment, Justice Omotosho said the law permitted harsher penalties but he opted for leniency. He also directed that Kanu be held in protective custody outside Kuje prison and restricted from using digital devices unless monitored by the Office of the National Security Adviser. The court further ruled that seized exhibits, including the transmitter, may be forfeited to the Federal Government after the appeal window closes.

The judge noted Kanu’s unruly conduct during the trial and concluded that he showed no remorse. He said his decision balanced justice with mercy while ensuring that the state retains control over items linked to the offences.