Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Bashir Ahmad, a former Special Assistant on Digital Communication to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
The case, filed at the High Court of Enugu State, alleges that Ahmad made libelous and defamatory remarks, accusing Kanu of terrorism. The legal team representing Kanu, led by his Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, asserts that the defamatory statements were published on January 19, 2025, on X (formerly Twitter) and republished on platforms like Talkofnaija.com and Phoenix-browser.com.
Ahmad’s Statements
In his controversial post, Ahmad referred to Kanu as a “terrorist” and leader of a “proscribed terrorist organization” (IPOB). He further stated that anyone advocating for Kanu’s release should be regarded as an enemy of Nigeria.
Ahmad reportedly wrote:
“Anybody advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, a terrorist and the leader of the proscribed terrorist organization IPOB, should be considered a sworn enemy of this country.”
He also added:
“I can only advocate for his release when he is truly rehabilitated, so he stops seeing Nigeria as a zoo and the citizens as animals that deserve to be brutally killed.”
Kanu’s Legal Claims
Kanu is seeking ₦100 billion in general and exemplary damages, asserting that Ahmad’s statements were defamatory, malicious, and harmful to his reputation. The IPOB leader’s legal team argues that the remarks falsely portrayed him as:
- A convicted terrorist;
- A violent individual with no regard for human life;
- Someone who disregards legal processes, including bail conditions.
According to the suit, the statements were widely circulated, gaining traction among millions of readers, particularly in Enugu and across Nigeria. Kanu claims the publications subjected him to public ridicule, humiliation, and disrepute, affecting his standing among family, friends, and supporters.
Relief Sought
Kanu’s lawsuit demands several remedies, including:
- A declaration that Ahmad’s statements are defamatory and libelous.
- An unreserved apology from Ahmad, to be published prominently in national newspapers such as The Sun, Daily Trust, and The Guardian.
- A perpetual injunction restraining Ahmad from making further defamatory remarks about him.
- ₦100 billion in damages for the alleged harm caused to his reputation.
- Coverage of all legal costs associated with the case.
Legal and Social Implications
Kanu’s legal team contends that Ahmad’s statements went beyond fair comment and were intended to tarnish his reputation deliberately. They argue that the comments caused significant harm to Kanu’s image, both locally and internationally, and that a court intervention is necessary to prevent further defamation.
The court has yet to announce a hearing date for the case. Observers are watching closely, as the outcome could set a precedent for how public figures in Nigeria handle defamation claims in the digital age.
This lawsuit underscores the growing impact of social media commentary on legal disputes and the accountability of influential figures for their public statements.
