In a dramatic and deeply unsettling turn of events, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja is reported to have survived an assassination attempt in the early hours of this morning. The incident comes just days after he handed down a life sentence to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on multiple terrorism-related charges.
According to sources close to the judiciary and security services, the assailants struck at a time when the judge’s security appeared particularly vulnerable. Justice Omotosho was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, while security forces scrambled to secure the area and investigate what happened. Details remain murky: officials have not yet confirmed who carried out the attack, nor whether any suspects have been arrested.
One source, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the attempt as “an outrage” and warned that “a judge cannot be silenced for simply doing his job.” Another insider added, “If justice is under attack, then the very foundation of law is being threatened.”
The alleged assassination bid intensifies already tense political and legal dynamics in Nigeria, especially in the wake of Kanu’s life sentence. On November 20, 2025, Justice Omotosho convicted Kanu on all seven counts brought against him by the federal government — including charges related to terrorism, incitement, and membership in a proscribed organization.
In his judgment, Omotosho described Kanu’s broadcasts as incitement to violence and said they had led to significant loss of life, destruction of police stations, and other coordinated attacks.
While prosecutors had sought the death penalty, Justice Omotosho opted for life imprisonment instead, citing both international norms and a personal conviction to temper justice with mercy.
The court also ordered that Kanu be held in protective custody, expressing concern for his safety given the gravity of his offenses and possible reactions from his supporters.
During sentencing, the courtroom was fraught with tension. Kanu, who has a history of court disruptions, was earlier removed from the courtroom by security agents after repeated outbursts.
The assassination report — if confirmed — could mark a serious escalation. It raises urgent questions about the security of key figures in Nigeria’s justice system, especially judges handling highly sensitive, politically charged cases. Worse, it could deepen divisions, particularly in the southeast, where Kanu and IPOB continue to have a strong support base.
Observers warn that any attack on a sitting judge not only threatens individual lives but risks undermining the rule of law itself. As one insider put it, “If justice is under attack, then the very foundation of law is being threatened.”
What We Still Don’t Know
At this stage, several crucial facts remain unverified:
Who exactly carried out the alleged attempt?
Was it politically motivated, or carried out by sympathizers of a particular faction?
Were there any casualties other than the judge himself?
What immediate steps are the security agencies taking — and are they coordinating with federal judicial bodies to ensure protection going forward?
The hospital where Justice Omotosho is being treated has not released a formal statement on his condition.
Security agencies are reportedly conducting investigations, but no official communiqué has confirmed arrests or suspects.
Legal and political analysts are expected to weigh in on tomorrow’s developments, particularly in relation to Kanu’s conviction and possible fallout.
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