The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a N20 billion libel lawsuit against the Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The suit was filed on Tuesday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Aloy Ejimakor, alleging defamation following a press statement issued by Adejobi on January 25, 2025.
In the statement, Adejobi referred to IPOB as “a proscribed terrorist organisation” and claimed that the police neutralized members of its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during an operation in Imo State. The publication, which went viral, detailed alleged crimes committed by IPOB, including attacks on security personnel and facilities in the state.
Kanu’s Claims
In the court filing, Kanu alleged that Adejobi’s statement was defamatory and portrayed him as a terrorist leader. According to Kanu, the defamatory statements were read by his family, friends, and associates, causing damage to his reputation.
“The defamatory statements read by his brother and circle of friends in Abuja and Nigeria at large were false and constitute a grave libel on his person, as the words in their natural and ordinary meaning portrayed me as a leader of a violent and terrorist group,” Kanu’s suit read.
He further argued that the statements falsely depicted him as “an associate of violent criminals and terrorists,” “an irresponsible and violent person with no regard for human lives,” and “a person undeserving of justice in his ongoing court cases.”
Kanu stated: “The said words in their natural and ordinary meaning were meant and were understood to mean that the Claimant is a leader of a terrorist movement that is to be vicariously blamed for alleged acts of terrorism in Imo State.”
He also claimed the publication “seriously injured” his character, credit, reputation, and integrity, particularly regarding his ongoing court cases.
Court Prayers
Kanu is seeking the following orders from the court:
- A directive for Adejobi to retract the defamatory statements through the same media outlets used in the initial publication.
- A written and unreserved letter of apology, to be prominently published as a full-page feature in three national dailies: The Sun, Daily Trust, and Vanguard.
- A perpetual injunction restraining Adejobi from making further defamatory statements about him.
- General and exemplary damages of N20 billion.
- Coverage of the cost of the lawsuit.
Kanu also demanded that the defamatory publications be corrected to restore his reputation among his family, followers, and well-wishers worldwide.
Background
In the statement released by Adejobi, the police claimed that IPOB and ESN members were involved in “several high-profile crimes,” including attacks on the Owerri Correctional Centre, killing of police officers, and the burning of police stations in Imo State.
Adejobi said, “Following credible intelligence, police operatives launched a coordinated operation on the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area, on January 24.”
The police reported recovering arms, ammunition, explosives, communication devices, and motorcycles used by the group.
Legal Battle Ahead
The case adds to the ongoing legal challenges between Kanu, IPOB, and the federal government. Kanu remains steadfast in defending his reputation while facing accusations related to IPOB’s activities.
The court is yet to set a date for