Nnamdi Kanu drags Bashir Ahmad to court, seeks N1bn damages

DDM News

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has taken Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, to court over a recent social media comment.

Kanu filed the case at the Enugu State High Court, describing Ahmad’s statement as libelous and damaging to his reputation.

Ahmad had sparked controversy on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by stating,

“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.”

Reacting to the comment, Kanu is demanding N100 billion in damages and has also sought a public apology from Ahmad within 42 days.

The suit, filed by Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, was accompanied by an originating summons sighted by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM).

It warns the defendant to respond within 42 days or risk judgment being passed in his absence.

The court documents outline the reliefs Kanu is seeking, including a declaration that Ahmad’s statements labeling him a terrorist are defamatory and libelous.

Kanu is also requesting a court order directing Ahmad to retract the defamatory statements published on X, Talkofnaija.com.

Additionally, Kanu is asking the court to mandate Ahmad to issue an unreserved written apology, prominently published as full-page advertisements in three national newspapers: The Sun, Daily Trust, and The Guardian.

The suit further seeks a perpetual injunction from the court to prevent Ahmad from making similar defamatory remarks in the future.

Kanu is also demanding N100 billion in general and exemplary damages from Ahmad for the harm caused by the defamatory statements.

The reliefs requested include an order for Ahmad to cover the cost of the lawsuit, along with any other directives the court may deem appropriate.

This legal battle underscores the escalating tensions between the IPOB leader and individuals making public statements against him.

Kanu’s legal team has expressed confidence in securing justice as the case progresses through the court system.

The Enugu State High Court is expected to provide clarity on the matter, as the reliefs sought by Kanu emphasize the potential consequences of defamatory statements in the digital age.

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