Nnamdi Kanu Sues Buhari’s Former Aide Bashir Ahmad for Defamation, Demands N100 Billion in Damages

Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has filed a lawsuit against Bashir Ahmad, the former Special Assistant on Digital Communications to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, over alleged defamatory statements. The suit, filed before the High Court of Enugu State through Kanu’s legal team led by his Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, seeks N100 billion in damages.

Kanu’s claim stems from statements Ahmad allegedly made on January 19, 2025, via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). According to the court documents, Ahmad referred to Kanu as a “terrorist” and labeled those advocating for his release as “sworn enemies of this country.” These statements were subsequently republished by news platforms, including Talkofnaija.com and Phoenix-browser.com.

Ahmad, in his social media post, stated that he would only support Kanu’s release if the IPOB leader underwent rehabilitation and renounced his views on Nigeria. “I can only advocate for his release when he is truly rehabilitated, so he stops seeing Nigeria as a zoo and the citizens as animals that deserve to be brutally killed,” Ahmad wrote.

In his lawsuit, Kanu argues that these statements amount to a serious defamation of his character. He contends that the remarks falsely portray him as a convicted terrorist and a violent individual with no regard for human life or the legal system. The IPOB leader claims the defamatory statements have caused him significant harm, leading to public humiliation, reputational damage, and emotional distress.

Kanu is seeking a court declaration that Ahmad’s statements are defamatory, along with an order compelling Ahmad to issue an unreserved apology. He has also requested that the apology be prominently published in three national newspapers: The Sun, Daily Trust, and The Guardian. Additionally, he seeks a perpetual injunction restraining Ahmad from making further defamatory statements against him.

Beyond the public apology, Kanu demands N100 billion in damages as compensation for the alleged harm caused by Ahmad’s remarks. He is also asking the court to order Ahmad to cover all legal costs associated with the lawsuit.