The Federal High Court has firmly denied a viral online report claiming that Justice James Omotosho survived an assassination attempt in Abuja early Saturday morning. The disclaimer follows a post by a Facebook blogger, who alleged that gunmen attacked the judge barely days after he reportedly sentenced separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment.
In the social media post, the blogger claimed that Justice Omotosho was rushed to a hospital after the supposed attack and that security agencies had cordoned off the area. The report quickly spread across Facebook and other platforms, causing public concern and fuelling speculation about the safety of judicial officers in the country.
But in a statement issued by the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Sulaiman Amida Hassan, the court dismissed the story as entirely false. According to the statement, no such incident took place, and Justice Omotosho was never the target of an assassination attempt. The court described the report as “completely false and unfounded” and urged Nigerians to ignore it.
The Federal High Court warned that the false report had the potential to cause unnecessary panic and undermine trust in the judiciary. It also noted that such misinformation could amount to an attempt to intimidate judicial officers who carry out sensitive national duties.
The statement stressed that the judiciary plays a critical role in maintaining law and order in Nigeria and must not be subjected to smear campaigns or attempts at destabilization. It added that spreading false reports about attacks on judges could erode confidence in the justice system at a time when the country is dealing with several security and political challenges.
While reacting to the issue, the court called on security agencies and relevant regulators to investigate the source of the fake publication. It urged authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible, citing existing laws on cybercrime, defamation, and the spread of false information. The Chief Registrar said such action is necessary to deter others from using online platforms to circulate unverified claims that can mislead the public.
The incident also highlights the growing problem of misinformation in Nigeria, especially through social media. Many unverified stories often go viral before they can be checked for accuracy, creating confusion and sometimes putting individuals and institutions at risk. The courts, political actors, and security agencies have all been targets of false reports in recent years, prompting renewed calls for digital responsibility.
Justice Omotosho, the judge at the centre of the false report, has handled several high-profile cases in recent years. Although the viral post linked the alleged attack to a supposed sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu, it is important to note that reports about Kanu’s sentencing remain controversial and often attract misinformation online. The Federal High Court did not address this part of the claim directly but highlighted that the attack story itself was fabricated.
The court reminded the public that matters involving national security, separatist activities, and other sensitive issues are often targets of fake news. It appealed for restraint and advised Nigerians to rely on official sources before sharing information that could escalate tension.
As misinformation continues to spread rapidly on social media, the court’s reaction reflects a broader national concern about the dangers of fake news. In recent years, the government has tried to strengthen laws relating to cybersecurity and online publications, though these efforts have also generated debate about balancing free speech with responsible communication.
The Federal High Court’s firm denial of the alleged attack aims to reassure Nigerians that the judiciary remains safe and functional. It also serves as a warning to content creators who post sensational stories without verification.
The statement concluded by urging the public to stop sharing the viral claim and to support efforts to maintain peace and stability in the country. “The public is advised to treat this publication as fake news and refrain from further dissemination,” the Chief Registrar said.
As of the time of this report, no arrest has been announced, but security agencies are expected to begin investigations into the source of the false allegation. The court insists that holding the perpetrators accountable will help curb the rising wave of misinformation and protect the integrity of the nation’s institutions.
