The Federal High Court has formally dismissed as false a viral report alleging that Justice James Omotosho was targeted in an assassination attempt following his judgment sentencing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment.

Justice Omotosho delivered the ruling on Thursday, November 20, convicting Kanu on seven terrorism-related charges.

In an official statement signed by Chief Registrar Sulaiman Amida Hassan, Esq., the court described the claim—circulated by a popular “celebrity blogger”—as “completely false and unfounded.”

The court urged the public to disregard the story as fake news, warning that such misinformation could incite unnecessary panic, erode confidence in the judiciary, and may have been intended to intimidate judicial officers.

It also called on security agencies and relevant regulators to identify, investigate, and prosecute those behind the publication under Nigeria’s laws on cybercrime, defamation, and public misinformation.

Details of Kanu’s Sentencing

Justice Omotosho sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment after finding him guilty on seven counts:

• Counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6: Each carried the death penalty, but the judge imposed life sentences instead.
• Count 3: Membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation—20 years imprisonment, without option of fine.
• Count 7: Unlawful importation of a radio transmitter used for Radio Biafra—5 years imprisonment, without option of fine.

To show leniency, the judge ordered that the sentences for counts 3 and 7 run concurrently.

Justice Omotosho noted Kanu’s disruptive conduct during the trial but said he opted against imposing the death penalty, citing mercy, his Christian beliefs, and the teachings of Matthew 23:23.