In a dramatic turn of events, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has demanded an apology from prominent activist Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad. The call follows controversial remarks Muhammad made in a TikTok video, which has since gone viral, accusing Ribadu of hypocrisy regarding his past stance on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ribadu, in a letter dated February 4, 2025, directed his legal counsel, Dr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, to issue a formal demand for the retraction of the claims, as well as a public apology from Muhammad. Ribadu’s lawyer accused Muhammad of spreading false information, which, according to him, has severely tarnished his reputation.
In the viral video, Muhammad accused Ribadu of “betraying his past principles.” She alleged that while serving as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ribadu had publicly described Tinubu and other high-profile Nigerian politicians as the most corrupt in the country. Specifically, Muhammad pointed to remarks where Ribadu allegedly labeled Tinubu, Senator George Akume, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as thieves who plundered Nigeria’s resources.
A Strong Legal Response
Ribadu’s lawyer was quick to challenge Muhammad’s statements, asserting that Ribadu had never made such allegations against the president or the two senators. The letter refuted the claim that Ribadu had ever publicly or privately accused Tinubu or the others of corruption, demanding that Muhammad provide evidence for her claims. The letter reads:
“Clearly, in your TikTok video, you alleged that when our client, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, served as Chairman of the EFCC, he named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sen. George Akume, and Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu as governors who stole the most from the Nigerian public treasury,” the letter said.
“You further stated that Ribadu has now become one of President Tinubu’s strongest defenders, a stark contradiction to his previous allegations, which you misrepresented. Our client has never held such views or made these statements.”
The lawyer continued by emphasizing the gravity of Muhammad’s accusations, stating that they were “intended to bring our client to public ridicule, scorn, and shame.” Ribadu’s team argued that the viral nature of the video only worsened the reputational harm caused, as it rapidly spread across social media platforms and beyond.
The Demand for an Apology
The letter outlined Ribadu’s demand for redress, giving Muhammad seven days from the receipt of the letter to publish an apology in five national newspapers. Failure to comply, Ribadu warned, would leave him no choice but to seek legal action, including claiming exemplary damages for defamation.
“Our client is deeply concerned about the damage caused by these allegations. The intent behind your actions appears to be deliberately malicious, and the effect on our client’s reputation is immeasurable. We demand that you retract the statements immediately and issue a full public apology in at least five national newspapers,” the letter further stated.
The legal document also warned of the potentially violent consequences of the video, which Ribadu’s team claims incited anger and division, particularly among Northern Nigerians. “While it may have been framed as a call to the North, your video has crossed the line into incitement,” the letter asserted.
A Divisive Figure in Nigerian Politics
Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad has long been a controversial figure in Nigerian politics, known for her outspoken views on governance, particularly regarding the treatment of Northern Nigerians under the current administration. Her TikTok video, which targeted the NSA and accused him of hypocrisy, is just the latest in a series of public statements she has made against the government.
Muhammad’s bold rhetoric has earned her a substantial following, but also criticism from many who view her as divisive. As a former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a vocal critic of the party’s leadership, she has become a symbol of defiance for many in the North who feel marginalized by the central government.
Her criticism of Ribadu, a former EFCC chairman, centers on what she perceives as the NSA’s shift in allegiances, especially towards President Tinubu, whom she and other critics have accused of prioritizing personal and political interests over national unity.
The Impact of Social Media on Nigerian Politics
The rise of social media, particularly platforms like TikTok, has added a new layer of complexity to Nigerian political discourse. While social media has empowered citizens to voice their opinions and engage in political debate, it has also become a tool for spreading misinformation and creating public discord.
Ribadu’s response highlights the increasing role that legal frameworks play in handling online defamation, especially as politicians and public figures find themselves under attack from various corners of the internet. The National Security Adviser’s call for legal action underscores the growing importance of managing online reputations and ensuring that defamatory content is swiftly dealt with.
A Broader Context
Nuhu Ribadu, once celebrated for his work in the EFCC, has remained a significant figure in Nigeria’s security and political landscape. As NSA, his responsibilities extend far beyond mere security matters; he is also seen as a guardian of national integrity and an advocate for transparency in governance. The accusations leveled against him by Naja’atu Muhammad have created a tension in a political climate already fraught with allegations of corruption and political maneuvering.
Ribadu’s own history in battling corruption places him in a delicate position as he navigates the complexities of aligning with President Tinubu. However, his legal response indicates a firm stance on defending his honor, as well as a clear message to those who might seek to undermine his credibility.
As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely to see how both Ribadu and Muhammad navigate this public dispute and whether legal consequences will arise from these high-profile claims.
The Path Forward
With the seven-day deadline now ticking, the next steps in this dramatic showdown will likely be closely followed by the public and media alike. Naja’atu Muhammad’s next move will be critical, as her response could either defuse the situation or escalate it further into a prolonged legal battle.
The case also highlights the growing tension within Nigerian politics, where accusations and counter-accusations are increasingly playing out not just in government halls, but in the court of public opinion via social media. As both sides prepare for what could be a lengthy legal process, Nigerians are left to ponder the impact of these allegations on the country’s political landscape.
In the coming days, the outcome of this dispute will shed light on how Nigeria’s political elites handle accusations and whether public figures can truly hold their integrity in a time of rising social media influence.
