Ex-COAS, Yahaya files N1.5bn defamation suit against Ali-Keffi, others

A former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has filed a defamation suit against retired Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Ali-Keffi, Arise Broadcasting Limited and Sahara Reporters Media Group.

The Court documents indicate that Yahaya instituted the action on Wednesday, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, following the expiration of a demand notice served on the defendants.

The spokesperson for Yahaya, retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, a former Army spokesperson, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

In the suit, the retired army chief was seeking, among other reliefs, formal retractions and public apologies over publications he described as false and malicious, as well as monetary damages of N1.5 billion and N600 million respectively.

“The claimant contended that the publications and broadcasts unjustly linked him to allegations of terrorism financing, illegal mining and banditry, which he said injured his reputation, character and integrity.

“The matter had been duly filed before the FCT High Court, Abuja, and the defendants had been served to enter appearance in line with the rules of court,” Usman disclosed.