The Federal High Court has dismissed reports that Justice James Omotosho survived an assassination attempt following the life sentence handed to Nnamdi Kanu, describing them as false
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that a blogger claimed on Facebook that Justice Omotosho was targeted on Saturday morning, shortly after sentencing Kanu to life imprisonment, and was rushed to a hospital while security forces secured the area.
Reacting to the claims, FHC Chief Registrar Sulaiman Hassan issued a statement on Sunday titled, “Rebuttal to False Publication by ‘Celebrity Blogger’ on the Alleged Assassination Attempt on Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.” The statement declared the report “completely false and unfounded” and warned the public against spreading the misinformation.
Hassan also called on security agencies to investigate the publication and prosecute those responsible under Nigerian laws covering cybercrime, defamation, and public misinformation, emphasizing that such reports could cause panic and undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
Justice Omotosho had, on Thursday, commuted the death sentence of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, to life imprisonment after he was convicted on seven counts of terrorism. He handed life sentences for counts one, two, four, five, and six; 20 years without fine for count three, relating to membership in a proscribed terrorist group; and five years without fine for count seven, concerning the unlawful importation of a radio transmitter for Radio Biafra activities. Counts three and seven are to run concurrently.
The judge noted that while the law allowed for the death penalty for Kanu’s terrorism offences, he exercised mercy, citing his Christian faith and referring to Matthew 23:23. Justice Omotosho also considered a plea on Kanu’s behalf by Rep. Obi Aguocha.
Kanu is to remain in protective custody outside Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, with restrictions on his use of digital devices unless monitored by the Office of the National Security Adviser. Justice Omotosho ordered the radio transmitter confiscated by the Federal Government and said other exhibits may be forfeited after 90 days following the expiration of appeals.
Describing Kanu’s behaviour during the trial as unruly and noting a lack of remorse, the judge stated, “I have no hesitation to conclude that the defendant has a tendency of violence and it has not left him.”
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