In a bold move to protect his reputation, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle, has filed a multi-billion-naira defamation lawsuit against two northern journalists and their media outlets.
Matawalle’s legal action, which includes a staggering N60 billion claim in damages, targets Shu’aibu Mungadi and Tijjani Ramalan, two journalists accused of spreading malicious reports about the former governor of Zamfara State.
The lawsuit, filed before Justice Musa Ahmad at the Kano State High Court, is not just aimed at the journalists but also at the media organizations they work for: Vision Media Services Ltd, Vision FM, Farin Wata Television, Liberty Radio, and Liberty TV.
Matawalle Seeks Compensation for Damaged Reputation
In the suit marked K/M2102/2024, Matawalle is demanding N10 billion in compensation from each of the six defendants. He is also seeking 10% post-judgment interest on the total sum until it is fully paid. The case revolves around alleged defamatory broadcasts and publications made by the defendants, which Matawalle claims falsely accuse him of sponsoring banditry and other criminal activities in the Northwest.
Matawalle’s personal assistant, Alhaji Masudu Abdulkadir, swore an affidavit detailing how the defendants aired defamatory statements across various media platforms, including television, radio, and online outlets. These allegations, according to the affidavit, have caused significant damage to Matawalle’s character, portraying him as a supporter of criminal activities like kidnapping and banditry.
The Accusations That Sparked the Lawsuit
The crux of Matawalle’s claim stems from reports broadcasted from January 2024 onward, which he claims were aired by the accused journalists during their shows. These broadcasts reportedly painted him as a key figure behind the rampant insecurity plaguing Zamfara and other states in the Northwest.
Matawalle’s legal team argues that these reports were not just false but were also intended to harm the minister’s reputation and career. The media organizations involved, the lawsuit states, broadcast these defamatory reports widely, reaching audiences in the North-West states, including Kano, and even internationally via online channels.
Matawalle is asking the court to issue an injunction to prevent further broadcasts, postings, or publications of similar defamatory content until the suit is resolved. This, he argues, is necessary to protect his image and prevent further harm.
Matawalle’s Track Record on Insecurity
Matawalle served as the governor of Zamfara State, where he worked closely with security agencies to tackle the growing problem of banditry. His efforts, including the controversial amnesty program for bandits, were meant to bring peace to the region. However, despite his work on security, his tenure was marred by persistent insecurity, with critics accusing him of failing to fully curb the banditry problem.
The defamation suit follows growing calls for an investigation into Matawalle’s alleged links with bandits. A faction within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), known as the Akida Forum, has publicly demanded a thorough probe into the matter. The group claims that an independent investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS) would help clarify the minister’s role and safeguard the credibility of Nigeria’s security agencies.
Calls for Matawalle’s Resignation and Investigation
The accusations have not been confined to the media. Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has also called for Matawalle’s resignation. Lawal has gone as far as alleging that Matawalle was harboring terrorists in the Government House, a claim that further fueled the public’s distrust.
In the midst of the defamation lawsuit, these mounting accusations have put Matawalle in a difficult position, with both political and media forces questioning his integrity and his efforts to combat insecurity in the region.
A Legal Battle with High Stakes
The legal action has already drawn significant attention, with many observing the case as a test of how powerful figures in Nigeria’s government navigate defamation in the media. Should the court rule in Matawalle’s favor, the case could set a precedent for similar legal actions by public officials against media outlets they accuse of libel.
For now, the matter has been scheduled for hearing on December 12, 2024. As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Matawalle can prove the defamation claims and secure the hefty damages he seeks or if the media organizations will successfully defend their reporting.
