Federal High court denounces rumours of assassination attempt on Justice Omotosho
The Federal High Court (FHC) has firmly dismissed reports claiming that Justice James Omotosho was the target of an assassination attempt following the sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu.
A widely shared post by a popular blogger on Facebook alleged that Justice Omotosho narrowly survived an attack in the early hours of Saturday, only days after handing down life imprisonment to Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The post suggested that the judge was rushed to a hospital as security personnel scrambled to secure the area.
However, the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Sulaiman Hassan, in an official statement issued Sunday morning, described the claims as “completely false and unfounded” .
Titled, “Rebuttal to False Publication by ‘Celebrity Blogger’ on the Alleged Assassination Attempt on Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court,” the statement reads in part:
“The attention of the Federal High Court has been drawn to a publication by CELEBRITY BLOGGER alleging that Honourable Justice James Omotosho survived an assassination attempt following the life sentence imposed on Nnamdi Kanu.
”We hereby firmly and unequivocally declare that the said report is completely false and unfounded.
”The public is advised to treat this publication as fake news and refrain from further dissemination to prevent the spread of misinformation.”
Hassan also urged security agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable under Nigeria’s cybercrime, defamation, and public misinformation laws.
He stressed that the false report could have caused public panic and undermined confidence in the judiciary, noting that it may have been intended as intimidation.
Justice Omotosho had, earlier on Thursday, commuted Kanu’s death sentences to life imprisonment following his conviction on seven counts of terrorism-related offences.
According to court records, Kanu received life imprisonment for counts one, two, four, five, and six, which initially carried the death penalty.
For count three, related to membership in a proscribed terrorist group, he was sentenced to 20 years without the option of a fine.
Count seven, concerning the unlawful importation of a radio transmitter to advance Radio Biafra’s activities, drew a five-year sentence.
The judge ordered that sentences for counts three and seven run concurrently.
The judge cited his Christian faith in exercising leniency, despite acknowledging Kanu’s unruly behavior throughout the trial.
He referenced Matthew 23:23 and also considered submissions from Rep. Obi Aguocha on Kanu’s behalf.
Justice Omotosho further directed that Kanu remain in protective custody in a location outside Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, and that the radio transmitter seized be forfeited to the federal government.
He imposed restrictions on Kanu’s use of digital devices to prevent further incitement, allowing monitored access only under the supervision of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Regarding other exhibits recovered from Kanu, the Department of State Services (DSS) may apply for forfeiture to the government after a 90-day appeal period.
The judge concluded that Kanu showed no remorse and retained a tendency toward violent behavior.
