Embattled IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu
Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a lawsuit against Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, seeking N10 billion in general damages for alleged defamation.
In a suit lodged at the Abuja High Court by his lawyer, Maxwell Opara, Kanu also demands N50 million in exemplary damages and a 10% annual post-judgment interest on the total judgment sum until fully paid.
The writ of summons, marked CV3179/2025 and filed on August 14, accuses Danjuma of issuing a defamatory press release on July 25. Kanu claims the statement, which attributed deadly attacks in Imo communities to IPOB and its Eastern Security Network (ESN), was “false, unsubstantiated, speculative, and defamatory.”
He seeks a court declaration to this effect and a perpetual injunction to prevent Danjuma or the Nigerian Police Force from making similar statements.
Kanu further requests a court order compelling Danjuma to issue a public retraction and apology in at least two national newspapers and on national television.
“The defendant’s statements were made without proper investigation, evidence, or credible intelligence,” Opara stated in the claim, adding that no arrests or prosecutions followed the press release.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suit, dated August 12, names Danjuma as the sole defendant.
Kanu alleges that on July 25, within hours of an attack in Ndi-Ejezie, Umualaoma, and Ndiakuwata Uno in Arondizuogu Ideato Local Government Area, Danjuma issued a press release claiming, “IPOB under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu orchestrated the attacks—gruesome killings in Imo communities.” Opara argued that this statement was malicious and intended to damage Kanu’s reputation.
Opara noted that the press release came at a sensitive time, as IPOB’s designation as a terrorist group is under appeal at the Supreme Court, making the matter sub judice.
He also highlighted that Kanu is currently facing a terrorism trial at the Federal High Court, which remains undecided.
“The defendant’s pronouncements were prejudicial to the claimant’s right to a fair trial,” Opara contended.
According to the claim, Danjuma’s statements have severely harmed Kanu’s reputation both nationally and internationally.
“The claimant contends that the statements were defamatory, false, and actuated by malice, intended to sway public opinion against him and IPOB,” Opara said, emphasizing the lack of evidence supporting the police chief’s allegations. (NAN)
