FEDERAL HIGH COURT DEBUNKS VIRAL ASSASSINATION CLAIM, SAYS JUSTICE OMOTOSHO WAS NEVER ATTACKED, WARNS AGAINST FAKE NEWS

In a swift and decisive response to a fast-spreading online rumour, the Federal High Court has dismissed as fake news a viral report alleging that Justice James Omotosho escaped an assassination attempt days after sentencing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment.

The report, first circulated by a Facebook blogger, claimed that Justice Omotosho was rushed to the hospital on Saturday morning after unknown assailants allegedly attacked him. The story gained quick traction on social media, sparking public concern and debates across various online platforms.

However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Sulaiman Hassan, firmly debunked the claims, maintaining that the narrative was not only false but deliberately concocted to mislead Nigerians.

The official rebuttal, titled “Rebuttal to False Publication by ‘Celebrity Blogger’ on the Alleged Assassination Attempt on Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court”, cautioned the public against sharing or believing the report.

According to the statement, “The attention of the Federal High Court has been drawn to a publication by CELEBRITY BLOGGER, alleging that the Honourable Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, 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 expressed deep concern over the intentions behind the fabricated story, noting that such dangerous claims could incite panic, undermine the integrity of the judiciary, and potentially intimidate judicial officers.

He further urged security agencies to investigate and prosecute the individuals behind the misinformation, stating:

“Given the gravity of the report, which has the potential to cause panic and undermine confidence in the judicial system, possibly intended as a form of intimidation, we call on the relevant security agencies and regulatory authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.

“The goal is to identify and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this false report and prosecute them in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly those relating to cybercrime, defamation, and public misinformation.”

The controversy emerged just days after Justice Omotosho sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment on Thursday, following his conviction on terrorism-related charges. During sentencing, the judge commuted the death penalty attached to five of the seven counts, explaining that despite the law empowering him to impose the ultimate punishment, he chose mercy.

“As a Christian, I chose to be merciful,” he said, referencing Matthew 23:23.

Kanu received life sentences on counts one, two, four, five, and six; 20 years without an option of fine on count three; and five years without an option of fine on count seven, with counts three and seven to run concurrently.

Justice Omotosho also ordered that the IPOB leader be kept in protective custody outside the Kuje Correctional Centre and barred him from accessing digital devices except under strict supervision by the Office of the National Security Adviser. He further directed that Kanu’s seized radio transmitter be forfeited to the Federal Government, while the Department of State Services (DSS) may apply for forfeiture of other exhibits after the 90-day appeal window.

Describing Kanu as “unruly” and “not remorseful,” the judge remarked, “I have no hesitation to conclude that the defendant has a tendency of violence and it has not left him.”

As the Federal High Court continues to uphold judicial integrity, authorities urge Nigerians to remain vigilant against misinformation and to rely on verified sources for credible updates.