The Federal High Court has officially dismissed circulating reports claiming there was an assassination attempt on Justice James Omotosho, the judge who recently sentenced Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment.
Court Issues Strong Rebuttal
In a statement released on Sunday morning, November 23, the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Sulaiman Hassan, categorically denied the allegations that had been spread by a blogger on social media platforms. The false report had claimed Justice Omotosho survived an assassination attempt and was rushed to hospital following his landmark ruling on the Nnamdi Kanu case.
The statement, titled "Rebuttal to False Publication by 'Celebrity Blogger' on the Alleged Assassination Attempt on Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court," described the reports as completely false and unfounded. Hassan urged the public to treat the publication as fake news and avoid further sharing to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Security Agencies Called to Investigate
Given the serious nature of the false publication, which the Chief Registrar noted could cause public panic and undermine confidence in Nigeria's judicial system, he called for immediate action from security and regulatory authorities.
Hassan emphasized that such false reports could potentially be intended as intimidation against judicial officers. He requested that relevant agencies launch a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for spreading the misinformation.
The Chief Registrar specifically mentioned that perpetrators should be prosecuted under Nigerian laws relating to cybercrime, defamation, and public misinformation.
Background: Nnamdi Kanu's Sentencing
The false reports emerged shortly after Justice Omotosho's significant ruling on Thursday, where he found IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu guilty of seven terrorism-related offenses. The judge commuted what could have been a death sentence to life imprisonment for the IPOB leader.
In his detailed judgment, Justice Omotosho sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment on five terrorism counts that each carried potential death sentences. For the offense of belonging to a proscribed terrorist group, Kanu received 20 years imprisonment, while for unlawful importation of a radio transmitter, he received five years.
Showing judicial mercy, the judge ordered that the lesser sentences for counts three and seven run concurrently. Justice Omotosho explained that while the law permitted death sentences for the terrorism offenses, he chose to be merciful to the defendant, citing his Christian beliefs and scripture.
The judge also made specific orders regarding Kanu's custody, directing that the IPOB leader be held in protective custody anywhere in Nigeria except the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. Additionally, Kanu was restricted from using digital devices while in custody without close monitoring by the Office of the National Security Adviser, citing the defendant's "unruly behaviours" and lack of remorse throughout the trial proceedings.
