Full Story: FHC Responds to Reported Assassination Attempt on Justice Omotosho

Full Story: FHC Responds to Reported Assassination Attempt on Justice Omotosho

1. Background – The Sentence

   • Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja handed down a life sentence to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, after convicting him on seven terrorism-related charges. (Vanguard News)

   • In his judgment, Omotosho avoided the death penalty — even though some of the counts carried the death sentence — citing his Christian faith and a moral obligation to show mercy. (The Nigerian Inquirer)

   • For count three (membership of a proscribed group), Kanu was sentenced to 20 years, and for count seven (illegal importation of a radio transmitter), 5 years. (Legit.ng - Nigeria news.)

   • The court also ordered that Kanu be placed in protective custody (not in Kuje Correctional Centre) and restricted from using digital devices, unless monitored by the Office of the National Security Adviser. (Vanguard News)

2. The Rumor: Alleged Assassination Attempt

   • Shortly after the sentencing, a post by a “celebrity blogger” on Facebook claimed that Justice Omotosho had survived an assassination attempt in the early hours of a Saturday. According to that claim, he was rushed to a hospital, and security forces were said to have responded. (Vanguard News)

   • The story spread across social media and some news outlets, fueling concern and speculation about the safety of the judge, especially given the high-profile and politically sensitive nature of the case.

3. FHC’s Response: Firm Denial and Clarification

   • The Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Sulaiman Amida Hassan, issued a strongly worded statement on behalf of the Court, refuting the assassination claim. (Independent Newspaper Nigeria)

   • In the statement (titled “Rebuttal to False Publication by ‘Celebrity Blogger’ on the Alleged Assassination Attempt…”), Hassan said the report was “completely false and unfounded.” (Vanguard News)

   • He explicitly called on the public to treat the claim as fake news and to stop sharing or amplifying it, to prevent misinformation. (Independent Newspaper Nigeria)

   • Importantly, Hassan asked security agencies and regulatory bodies to investigate the origin of the false report. He argued that the rumor could be an attempt to undermine trust in the judiciary or to intimidate the Court. (Channels Television)

   • He also urged that the persons responsible for the false publication be identified and prosecuted under relevant laws, including those dealing with cybercrime, defamation, and public misinformation. (Vanguard News)

4. Why the Court Took It Seriously

   • According to the FHC, reports like these are not harmless rumors: they carry the potential to “cause panic” among the public and to “undermine confidence in the judicial system.” (Legit.ng - Nigeria news.)

   • Given that this is happening shortly after a very divisive judgment — in a case involving secessionist politics and terrorism — the court appears to view the spread of such a false claim as possibly intended to intimidate the judiciary.

5. Broader Context

   • The sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu has already stirred strong reactions. Beyond the assassination rumor, the trial and verdict are being closely watched across Nigeria, particularly in the southeast. (Vanguard News)

   • Some public commentators and political figures are calling for calm, while others are questioning the legitimacy and impact of the ruling. (Vanguard News)

   • The FHC’s swift denial of the assassination claim demonstrates its sensitivity to potential threats against judicial independence and its willingness to push back against disinformation.

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In summary: The Federal High Court has denied any assassination attempt on Justice Omotosho, calling the claim “fake news.” The Court has also urged security agencies to investigate those behind the report, warning that such rumors could erode trust in the judicial system or be used as a means of intimidation.

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• apnews.com
• theguardian.com

If you like, I can also dig into who might be behind the false report, or what the likely motivations are (based on analysis). Do you want me to do that?