The Federal High Court (FHC) has dismissed as fake news a viral report claiming that Justice James Omotosho survived an assassination attempt following his sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) earlier reported that a blogger alleged on Facebook that Justice Omotosho was attacked early Saturday morning and rushed to a hospital while security operatives scrambled to secure the area.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Sulaiman Hassan, the judiciary described the report as entirely false and misleading.
The statement, titled “Rebuttal to False Publication by ‘Celebrity Blogger’ on the Alleged Assassination Attempt on Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court”, reads in part:
“The attention of the Federal High Court has been drawn to a publication alleging that Honourable Justice James Omotosho 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 court urged the public to disregard the claim and avoid spreading misinformation.
Hassan also called on security agencies and regulatory authorities to investigate the origin of the story, identify those responsible, and prosecute them under laws relating to cybercrime, defamation, and public misinformation.
Background on Nnamdi Kanu’s Sentencing
Justice Omotosho on Thursday sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on multiple terrorism-related charges.
The judge imposed life sentences on counts one, two, four, five, and six, each of which carried the death penalty.
For count three — membership of a prohibited terrorist group — Kanu received 20 years without an option of fine, while count seven — unlawful importation of a radio transmitter for Radio Biafra — attracted five years imprisonment.
In extending what he described as “mercy,” the judge ruled that the 20-year and 5-year terms would run concurrently. He also ordered that Kanu be placed in protective custody outside Kuje Correctional Centre and barred from using digital devices unless closely monitored by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Justice Omotosho said Kanu’s conduct throughout the trial was unruly and that the defendant showed no remorse. He added that while the law permitted the death sentence for the terrorism offences, he opted for a lesser punishment, citing his Christian faith.
The Department of State Services (DSS) may apply for forfeiture of additional exhibits recovered from Kanu if no appeal is filed within 90 days.
