Federal High Court Debunks Assassination Attempt on Justice Omotosho After Nnamdi Kanu Sentence

The Federal High Court has dismissed as fake news a viral report claiming that Justice James Omotosho survived an assassination attempt after sentencing Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment. A blogger had circulated the story on Facebook, alleging that the judge was rushed to a hospital on Saturday morning while security forces secured the area.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court Sulaiman Hassan said the report was false. He described the publication as misleading and warned the public against sharing it. The statement titled “Rebuttal to False Publication by Celebrity Blogger on the Alleged Assassination Attempt on Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court” made it clear that the claim had no factual basis.

Hassan urged security agencies and regulators to investigate the origin of the report and prosecute all individuals involved. He said the false claim was capable of causing panic, undermining trust in the judiciary, and possibly serving as an act of intimidation. He said those responsible should face charges that include cybercrime, defamation, and public misinformation.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Justice Omotosho had on Thursday sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of several terrorism-related offences. The court ruled on the seven-count charge brought by the Federal Government against the IPOB leader.

The judge imposed life imprisonment on counts one, two, four, five and six, each of which carried a death sentence. Count three which concerns membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation carries a 20 year sentence with no option of fine. Count seven which involves the unlawful importation of a radio transmitter for Radio Biafra broadcasts attracts a five year sentence with no option of fine. The court ordered that counts three and seven run concurrently.

Justice Omotosho noted that Kanu had been unruly throughout the trial. He said the law permitted a death sentence for terrorism offences but he opted for mercy based on his Christian faith and referenced Matthew 23:23. He also considered the plea made by Rep Obi Aguocha on Kanu’s behalf.

The judge ordered that Kanu be held in protective custody outside Kuje Correctional Centre and directed that the radio transmitter be forfeited to the Federal Government. Kanu is also restricted from using digital devices while in custody. If he must use one, it must be monitored by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Regarding other exhibits recovered during the case, the Department of State Services may apply for forfeiture after the 90 day appeal window.

Justice Omotosho concluded that the defendant showed no remorse and maintained a tendency toward violence.