The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a defamation suit at the Enugu High Court against Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari.
The suit centres on alleged 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.
Kanu, through his lead team of lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, is seeking a declaration that Ahmad’s statements, which were also republished on platforms such as Talkofnaija.com and Phoenix-Browser.com, are defamatory.
He argues that the statements portray him as a convicted terrorist and have caused significant harm to his reputation, integrity, and standing in the community.
The plaintiff, among other things, is seeking an order directing Ahmad to retract the defamatory publication across all platforms, including his X handle and the websites where the statement was republished.
The plaintiff is also demanding an unreserved apology to be published prominently in The Guardian, The Sun and Daily Trust.
He is also seeking a claim for ?100 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.
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.
As of the time of filing the report, hearing dates are yet to be fixed.
