Justice Tsammani Not Confined To A Wheelchair, Continues Normal Court Duties — Sources Refute Rumors

Authoritative sources within the Court of Appeal have dismissed widespread speculations that Justice Haruna Tsammani is gravely ill and confined to a wheelchair.

Justice Tsammani led the appellate court panel that rejected petitions filed by Labour Party’s Peter Obi and PDP’s Atiku Abubakar challenging President-elect Bola Tinubu’s victory.

On Wednesday, some supporters of PDP and other parties took to social media alleging Tsammani was suffering from an enlarged prostate and unable to walk. However, top officials revealed on Thursday that Tsammani has been attending court sessions and office duties as usual.

“He was even in court yesterday (Wednesday) and was in the office of the Court Registrar, Umar M. Bangari,” a senior judicial source stated.

The false narrative appears to have originated from a tweet by Jackson Ude, a known Atiku supporter, claiming Tsammani returned from Paris unable to treat his prostate issues and was now wheelchair-bound. Ude further alleged the judge blamed certain individuals for his supposed health woes.

But Appeal Court authorities are dispelling what they describe as malicious rumors targeting the judge’s reputation after the contentious ruling. Tsammani is reportedly discharging his judicial duties diligently, contrary to the alarming narratives around his health.

The judge has come under criticism by some since the Appeal Court upheld Tinubu’s election victory. But officials warn that peddling falsehoods about his health simply to discredit the ruling is unethical.

While judges’ decisions may be controversial at times, experts note it is important to refrain from personal attacks that impugn their character without basis. The judiciary has distanced itself from the alarming rumors, affirming that Justice Tsammani remains in sound health.