Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, reportedly survived an assassination attempt in the early hours of Saturday. According to preliminary accounts, unidentified gunmen targeted the judge’s vehicle, firing multiple shots at it. Security operatives attached to the judge were said to have repelled the attackers before they fled the scene.
The incident comes just days after Justice Omotosho delivered the highly controversial judgment sentencing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment. The ruling has generated significant tension across parts of the country, sparking heated reactions from supporters of the separatist leader. Although authorities have not yet linked the attack to the judgment, many say the timing raises serious concerns. Justice Omotosho was immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital as security forces scrambled to secure the area.
Details surrounding the incident remain sketchy, as neither the Federal High Court nor security agencies have released an official statement. However, sources close to the judiciary confirm that the judge is safe and that investigations have commenced.