The Federal High Court in Abuja has publicly denied widespread reports of an assassination attempt on Justice James Omotosho, who recently sentenced separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment. Allegations circulated in various media outlets over the weekend that the judge’s life was threatened following his landmark ruling against Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In an official statement issued on Sunday, the court’s spokesperson described the assassination claims as “entirely false and without foundation.” The statement clarified, “The attention of the Federal High Court has been drawn to news circulating in the media alleging an assassination attempt on the Hon. Justice James Omotosho. We wish to state categorically that there was never such an incident. The Hon. Judge is safe and continues with his judicial duties.”
The court condemned what it called “the deliberate spread of misinformation” and urged the public to disregard the reports, emphasizing its commitment to judicial independence and the rule of law. “We appeal to members of the press and the public to verify their information before dissemination and not to encourage alarmist speculation,” the statement added.Justice Omotosho came under scrutiny after handing down a life sentence to Nnamdi Kanu last Thursday, convicting him on multiple counts of terrorism and incitement of violence. The judge noted during sentencing, “The death penalty is increasingly viewed negatively by the global community. Therefore, in the name of justice, I hereby sentence the defendant to life imprisonment instead of the death penalty.”
The verdict has been met with mixed reactions nationwide. Supporters of Kanu have expressed outrage, while security was heightened around the courthouse prior to sentencing amid fears of unrest. Despite concerns reflected in local media, the court insists that no credible threats have been made against Justice Omotosho and called for calm and respect for the judicial process.
For more updates and official statements, visit the Federal High Court’s public communications channel.
