Ex-COAS Faruk Yahaya sues Ali-Keffi, Arise TV, Sahara reporters for ₦1.5bn over defamation
Retired Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (retd.), has filed a ₦1.5 billion defamation lawsuit against security analyst Ali-Keffi, Arise TV International, and Sahara Reporters Nigeria over what he describes as false, damaging and injurious reports.
The suit was filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where General Yahaya claims that the defendants published and propagated defamatory statements linking him to alleged financial misconduct, security lapses, and other unverified allegations that, he says, have tarnished his reputation and undermined his service record.
In his originating processes, the ex-army chief is seeking ₦1.5 billion in general and aggravated damages, a declaration that the materials published by the media outlets and analyst are defamatory, and an order compelling the media houses to issue retractions and public apologies.
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General Yahaya argued that the publications went beyond fair comment and constituted reckless journalism that failed to verify facts before publication, thereby causing reputational harm that cannot be easily undone.
The defendants — Ali-Keffi, Arise TV and Sahara Reporters — are expected to file their responses, with legal representatives likely to raise issues relating to freedom of expression, press freedom, and fair reporting as part of their defence.
Details of the court date and the presiding judge were not immediately disclosed at the time of filing this report, as the matter was just commenced and served on the parties.
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Legal observers say the case could have implications for the relationship between national security figures and the media, particularly in how reports involving military leadership and public safety are covered and challenged under Nigerian law.
The proceedings are being closely watched by journalists, security experts and legal practitioners, with some warning that defamation suits must not be used to stifle legitimate public interest reporting, while others argue for stringent accountability where reputations are wrongly besmirched.
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