Federal High Court Denies Assassination Attempt on Justice Omotosho

The Federal High Court (FHC) has strongly refuted reports alleging an assassination attempt on Justice James Omotosho shortly after he sentenced IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment. The allegation, initially spread by a blogger claiming the judge was rushed to the hospital after the attack, was declared completely false and unfounded by the Chief Registrar of the Court, Sulaiman Hassan. The court advised the public to treat the report as fake news and urged security agencies to investigate and prosecute those responsible for spreading misinformation.

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Justice Omotosho had sentenced Nnamdi Kanu on multiple terrorism-related counts, opting for life imprisonment instead of the death penalty, citing mercy and Christian values. Kanu received concurrent sentences including life imprisonment, 20 years, and five years on various counts. The judge also imposed restrictions on Kanu’s use of digital devices during custody to prevent further incitement and ordered protective custody away from specific centers.

The court emphasized the harmful potential of the false assassination claim to cause public panic, undermine confidence in the judiciary, and possibly serve as intimidation. It called for rigorous investigation into the origin and perpetrators of the report, citing laws against cybercrime, defamation, and misinformation.