The Federal High Court has firmly dismissed as fake news a viral report alleging that Justice James Omotosho survived an assassination attempt days after sentencing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment.
A blogger had claimed on Facebook that Justice Omotosho was attacked early Saturday morning and rushed to a hospital as security operatives tried to secure the area. But the court, through its Chief Registrar, Sulaiman Hassan, said on Sunday that the claim was entirely fabricated.
In a statement titled “Rebuttal to False Publication by ‘Celebrity Blogger’ on the Alleged Assassination Attempt on Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court,” the FHC said the public should disregard the report.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
Mr Hassan urged security agencies to investigate the source of the false report, warning that such fabrications could incite panic or undermine confidence in the judiciary.
“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 under laws relating to cybercrime, defamation, and public misinformation,” he added.
NAN reports that Justice Omotosho had on Thursday sentenced Mr Kanu to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of seven terrorism-related charges. The life sentences were handed down on counts one, two, four, five and six, each of which carried the death penalty. Count three attracted 20 years imprisonment, while count seven drew five years, both without the option of fine. The judge ordered that the sentences for counts three and seven run concurrently.
Justice Omotosho also directed that Mr Kanu be held in protective custody outside Kuje Correctional Centre and restricted from using digital devices unless under strict monitoring by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
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While delivering judgment, the judge said he opted for mercy rather than the death penalty, citing his Christian faith and Matthew 23:23, despite describing the defendant as unruly and unremorseful throughout the trial.
The court further ruled that the radio transmitter imported by Mr Kanu for Radio Biafra’s activities be forfeited to the Federal Government, and allowed the DSS to seek forfeiture of other seized exhibits after the 90-day appeal window.
(NAN)
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