The Federal High Court has officially dismissed as completely false a viral social media report claiming that Hon. Justice James Omotosho was targeted in an assassination attempt shortly after sentencing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment.
The fabricated story, which circulated widely on Saturday, alleged that unknown gunmen attacked the judge’s residence in the early hours of the morning and that he was rushed to hospital while security operatives secured the area.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Mr. Sulaiman Hassan, the court described the publication as “fake news” designed to mislead the public and potentially intimidate the judiciary.
“The Honourable Justice James Omotosho is safe, hale, and hearty.
There was no assassination attempt, no attack, and no hospitalization.
The entire story is a malicious fabrication,” the statement read.
The court urged members of the public to disregard the report and warned against sharing it further, noting that such misinformation could erode public confidence in the judicial system.
Authorities have also called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and relevant cybercrime units, to immediately investigate the source of the false publication and bring those responsible to justice under the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act and other extant laws.
Background to the Controversy
The hoax emerged just two days after Justice Omotosho, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, delivered judgment in the long-running terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu.
In his ruling, the judge commuted the death penalty originally prescribed for five of the seven counts to life imprisonment, citing mercy and biblical principles (Matthew 23:23), despite what he described as Kanu’s “unruly behaviour” and lack of remorse throughout the trial.
Kanu received:
– Life imprisonment on counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 (terrorism-related charges that originally carried the death penalty)
– 20 years imprisonment on count 3 (membership of a proscribed organization)
– 5 years imprisonment on count 7 (unlawful importation of radio transmission equipment)
The sentences on counts 3 and 7 are to run concurrently.
The judge also ordered that Kanu be held in protective custody outside Kuje Correctional Centre, barred from unmonitored use of digital devices, and directed the forfeiture of the radio transmitter to the Federal Government.
The Federal High Court emphasized that Justice Omotosho and all judicial officers remain committed to discharging their duties without fear or favour, and urged the public to desist from spreading unverified information capable of causing panic or undermining the administration of justice.
As at the time of filing this report, no arrest has been announced in connection with the fake assassination story.
