No Assassination Attempt On Justice Who Sentenced Nnamdi Kanu To Life Imprisonment – Court | Citizen NewsNG
Citizen NewsNG
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The Federal High Court has dismissed as fake news a viral report claiming that Justice James Omotosho survived an assassination attempt following his judgment sentencing Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment.
A Facebook blogger had alleged that the judge was attacked on Saturday morning and rushed to the hospital under heavy security. However, the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Sulaiman Hassan, said the claim was entirely fabricated.
In a statement issued on Sunday, titled “Rebuttal to False Publication by ‘Celebrity Blogger’ on the Alleged Assassination Attempt on Justice James Omotosho,” the court warned the public to disregard the report.
“The attention of the Federal High Court has been drawn to a publication by CELEBRITY BLOGGER alleging that Honourable Justice James Omotosho survived an assassination attempt following the life sentence imposed on Nnamdi Kanu. We firmly and unequivocally declare that the said report is completely false and unfounded,” the statement read.
Hassan urged Nigerians not to disseminate the misinformation, noting that such fabricated stories were capable of inciting panic and undermining public confidence in the judiciary.
He further called on security agencies and regulatory bodies to investigate the source of the story and bring those responsible to justice under laws relating to cybercrime, defamation, and public misinformation.
The rebuttal comes days after Justice Omotosho sentenced Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment on several terrorism-related charges
Breakdown of the Judgment
Counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6: Life imprisonment (each formerly carrying the death penalty).
Count 3: 20 years without an option of fine (belonging to a proscribed terrorist group).
Count 7: 5 years without an option of fine (unlawful importation of a radio transmitter).
Sentences for counts 3 and 7 will run concurrently.
Justice Omotosho said he opted for mercy on religious grounds, citing Matthew 23:23, despite Kanu’s “unruly behaviour” during trial.
The court also ordered:
That Kanu be kept in protective custody outside Kuje Correctional Centre.
That he be barred from using digital devices, except under close monitoring by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
That the seized radio transmitter be forfeited to the Federal Government.
That DSS may apply for forfeiture of other exhibits after 90 days if no appeal overturns the ruling.
The judge described Kanu as non-remorseful and possessing a “tendency for violence.”
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