The Federal High Court has dismissed circulating claims that Justice James Omotosho was the target of an assassination attempt.
The court described the reports as entirely false.
The rumour, which started on social media over the weekend, alleged that the judge was attacked shortly after delivering a life sentence on Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.
A blogger had claimed that the judge was rushed to a hospital after the supposed attack. The story spread quickly online, triggering public concern.
However, the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Sulaiman Hassan, released a statement on Sunday clarifying the situation.
He said the report was fabricated and should be ignored.
The statement, titled “Rebuttal to False Publication by ‘Celebrity Blogger’ on the Alleged Assassination Attempt on Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court,” condemned the claims as malicious.
According to him, “the attention of the Federal High Court has been drawn to a publication by CELEBRITY BLOGGER… alleging that the Honourable Justice James Omotosho… survived an assassination attempt… We hereby firmly and unequivocally declare that the said report is completely false and unfounded.”
He appealed to the public to stop sharing the claim, warning that such misinformation could create panic and undermine the integrity of the judiciary.
Hassan also urged security agencies to investigate the source of the report.
He said those responsible should be prosecuted under laws relating to cybercrime, fake news, and defamation.
The registrar described the publication as an attempt to intimidate the court, noting that it could damage public trust if left unchecked.
Justice Omotosho had recently delivered a ruling sentencing Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment on charges bordering on terrorism.
The court also imposed additional prison terms on Kanu for other offences, including belonging to a proscribed group and unlawful importation of a radio transmitter.
The judge ruled that some of the sentences would run concurrently.
He also directed that Kanu be held in a secure facility outside Kuje Prison and barred him from using digital devices unless under strict supervision.
Justice Omotosho stated that although the law permitted a death sentence, he chose a life term, referencing religious principles and the allocutus made on Kanu’s behalf by Rep. Obi Aguocha.
He also ordered the forfeiture of the seized radio transmitter and said the DSS may file for forfeiture of other exhibits if no appeal is made within 90 days.
