Judge who sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment escapes assassination attempt in Abuja
Abuja, 22 November 2025 – Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, narrowly escaped death in the early hours of Friday when gunmen opened fire on his convoy, barely 48 hours after he handed down a life sentence to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The attack occurred around 5:30 a.m. along a quiet road close to the judge’s residence in the capital city. Eyewitnesses said a black SUV blocked the judge’s vehicle before several masked men emerged and sprayed it with automatic rifle fire. At least 15 bullet holes were counted on the car. Justice Omotosho, who was in the back seat, escaped unhurt, while one of his police escorts sustained minor injuries. He was immediately rushed to the National Hospital for observation.
Security operatives cordoned off the area and have launched a manhunt. As of now, no arrests have been made and no group has claimed responsibility. However, sources familiar with the matter described the incident as a clear assassination attempt linked to the highly controversial judgment delivered on Wednesday.
A senior judicial officer, speaking anonymously, said: “This is an attack on the judiciary itself. You cannot intimidate a judge for doing his constitutional duty.”
Another source close to the investigation added: “If judges are no longer safe for giving rulings, then the foundation of justice in this country is under serious threat.”
The life sentence passed on Nnamdi Kanu has sharply divided the country. While the federal government and many Nigerians welcomed the verdict as a strong message against terrorism and separatist agitation, IPOB supporters and several Igbo groups have condemned it as politically motivated persecution. Threats against the judge had been circulating on social media in the hours following the judgment.
Authorities have promised enhanced protection for Justice Omotosho and other judges handling sensitive national security cases. The Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) are leading the investigation.
More details will be provided as they emerge.
Abuja, 22 November 2025 – Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, narrowly escaped death in the early hours of Friday when gunmen opened fire on his convoy, barely 48 hours after he handed down a life sentence to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The attack occurred around 5:30 a.m. along a quiet road close to the judge’s residence in the capital city. Eyewitnesses said a black SUV blocked the judge’s vehicle before several masked men emerged and sprayed it with automatic rifle fire. At least 15 bullet holes were counted on the car. Justice Omotosho, who was in the back seat, escaped unhurt, while one of his police escorts sustained minor injuries. He was immediately rushed to the National Hospital for observation.
Security operatives cordoned off the area and have launched a manhunt. As of now, no arrests have been made and no group has claimed responsibility. However, sources familiar with the matter described the incident as a clear assassination attempt linked to the highly controversial judgment delivered on Wednesday.
A senior judicial officer, speaking anonymously, said: “This is an attack on the judiciary itself. You cannot intimidate a judge for doing his constitutional duty.”
Another source close to the investigation added: “If judges are no longer safe for giving rulings, then the foundation of justice in this country is under serious threat.”
The life sentence passed on Nnamdi Kanu has sharply divided the country. While the federal government and many Nigerians welcomed the verdict as a strong message against terrorism and separatist agitation, IPOB supporters and several Igbo groups have condemned it as politically motivated persecution. Threats against the judge had been circulating on social media in the hours following the judgment.
Authorities have promised enhanced protection for Justice Omotosho and other judges handling sensitive national security cases. The Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) are leading the investigation.
More details will be provided as they emerge.