The incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has slammed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against a former media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, at the Enugu High Court.
Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, who made this known in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, said the suit centres on statements made by Ahmad via his X account on January 19, 2025, labelling Kanu a terrorist and accusing his supporters of being enemies of the country.
In his statement of claim, Kanu who filed the suit through his legal team led by Ejimakor, said labeling him a convicted terrorist by Ahmad were not only injurious but defamatory and have caused significant harm to his reputation, integrity, and standing in the community.
Kanu further claimed, among other things, an order directing Ahmad to retract the defamatory publication across all platforms, including his X handle and the websites where the statement was republished.
“He is also demanding an unreserved apology to be published prominently in The Guardian, The Sun and Daily Trust,” Ejimakor said.
“He is also seeking a claim for N100 billion in general and exemplary damages for the harm caused, and a perpetual injunction restraining Ahmad from making further defamatory statements against Kanu.
“The plaintiff contends that the statements have subjected him to public humiliation, odium, and contempt.
“He alleges that the publications have been read by millions globally, particularly in Nigeria, causing irreparable damage to his character.
“Kanu’s legal team insists that the allegations of terrorism against him are baseless and malicious, intended to discredit him and undermine his ongoing efforts in the Biafra movement.
“In the writ of summons marked 40/2025, it highlights the plaintiff’s detention in Abuja, which has hindered his ability to provide a written statement under oath except through subpoena.”
Ejimakor added that Ahmad has 42 days from the date of service to enter an appearance in court, with the court urged to enter judgment against the respondent if he fails to appear in court.