Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has filed a bombshell defamation lawsuit against Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, demanding a staggering N100 billion in damages.
The legal action, which was officially lodged at the Enugu High Court, stems from controversial statements made by Ahmad on his X (formerly Twitter) account on January 19, 2025. Kanu’s lawyers allege that Ahmad maliciously referred to Kanu as a “terrorist” and accused his supporters of being enemies of the state, without basis or evidence.
In the suit, Kanu’s legal team, led by prominent lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, argues that these statements have severely tarnished Kanu’s reputation, portraying him as a convicted terrorist and subjecting him to widespread public scorn. According to Kanu, these comments, which were also shared on other platforms such as Talkofnaija.com and Phoenix-Browser.com, have caused significant damage to his integrity and personal standing in Nigeria and internationally.
Kanu’s lawyers are demanding a public retraction of the defamatory comments across all platforms, including Ahmad’s X account, and the aforementioned websites. They also insist on a formal, unreserved apology, which must be published in widely-read Nigerian newspapers such as The Guardian, The Sun, and Daily Trust. These requests come alongside the N100 billion claim, intended to compensate Kanu for both general and exemplary damages.
The plaintiff has been vocal about the harm these statements have caused, claiming that they have led to humiliation and disdain among the public. “This defamatory campaign has subjected me to an unrelenting storm of public ridicule and contempt,” Kanu’s statement reads. “The harm caused is irreparable, and the attempts to label me as a terrorist have far-reaching consequences not only for my reputation but also for the Biafra movement I am leading.”
Legal experts believe that this lawsuit could set a precedent in Nigeria, particularly in the realm of online defamation and the responsibility of public figures when making inflammatory statements on social media.
The allegations stem from Kanu’s long-standing role as the leader of the IPOB, a group that has called for the secession of the southeastern part of Nigeria, leading to tensions with the Nigerian government. Kanu has been a controversial figure for years, especially following his arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021. However, despite his detention, Kanu continues to maintain a strong following and is seen by many as a symbol of resistance against perceived injustices.
Ahmad’s comments were made amidst a period of heightened tensions surrounding the IPOB and the Biafra cause. His statements, calling Kanu a “terrorist” and accusing his followers of anti-national sentiments, have further inflamed the ongoing debate over the Biafra movement.
In his court filing, Kanu’s legal team emphasizes that the accusations against him are without merit. They assert that there has been no court ruling or legal determination declaring Kanu a terrorist, and the claims made by Ahmad were baseless and intended solely to damage his reputation. “These defamatory publications have been read by millions of people worldwide, including in Nigeria, causing irreparable harm to my character,” Kanu’s statement further argues.
Kanu’s lawyers have made it clear that they intend to pursue this case to the fullest extent, demanding justice not only for Kanu’s reputation but also for the larger issue of defamation in the public sphere, particularly regarding statements made by influential political figures.
The case is likely to attract widespread attention, given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the broader political implications of the lawsuit. While Kanu remains incarcerated in Abuja, his legal team continues to press for his right to respond fully to the defamation claims. Kanu has also made it clear that he views this lawsuit as a critical step in his fight against what he believes to be a broader effort to suppress the Biafra movement and his personal freedom.
“We will not stand by while my name is dragged through the mud for political gain,” Kanu stated through his lawyers. “This is not just about me—it is about the right of every Nigerian to be free from false and malicious accusations.”
As of now, Bashir Ahmad has 42 days from the date of service of the court summons to enter his appearance before the Enugu High Court. If he fails to do so, Kanu’s legal team has urged the court to deliver a judgment in his favor by default.
