Defamation

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a defamation lawsuit against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, demanding N1.3 billion in damages.

The lawsuit, lodged at the Federal Capital Territory High Court on February 25, 2025, also includes Akpabio’s Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick, as a defendant. 

Akpoti-Uduaghan, represented by her lawyer, Victor Giwa, claims that defamatory remarks made by Akpabio and posted by his aide on Facebook damaged her reputation.

The post, titled “Is the Local Content Committee of the Senate Natasha’s Birthright?” included a statement suggesting Akpoti-Uduaghan believed being a lawmaker was only about “pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan describes the words as degrading, inflammatory, and harmful to her dignity, both in the eyes of her colleagues and the public.

The lawsuit seeks a declaration that the statement is defamatory, a permanent injunction barring further publication of such comments, N100 billion in general damages, and N300 million for legal costs.

By Uzair Adam

A magistrate court in Kano has ordered the remand of Muktar Dahiru, a journalist with Radio Nigeria, Pyramid FM Kano, in prison.

He is accused of sharing media content on Facebook that is critical of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the reinstated emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Dahiru allegedly posted several controversial audio recordings, including an interview with an opposition politician who accused Governor Yusuf of corruption.

The politician challenged the governor to allow federal anti-corruption agencies to investigate a scandal involving Novomed Pharmaceutical, which is owned by a relative of former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In another instance, Dahiru shared a broadcast by the governor’s political adviser, Anas Abba-Dala, which speculated on the nationality of Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and made other controversial claims.

Additionally, Dahiru shared content criticizing the emir and accusing former Governor Kwankwaso of financial misconduct.

The journalist was charged in secret at Magistrate Court 24 on Gyadi Gyadi Court Road for criminal conspiracy, defamation of character, and intentional insult, alleged to be in violation of sections 97, 391, and 115 of the Penal Code Law.

The magistrate, Ummah Kurawa, ordered Dahiru’s remand in a correctional facility until a bail hearing scheduled for September 3.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

A civil liberty and human rights group, Northern Nigeria Human Rights Advocates (NONIHIRA), has in very strong terms condemned the “unlawful arrest and detention of Adamu Aminu Muhammad at the instance of Nigeria’s First Lady Aisha Buhari.”

In a statement signed by the group secretary, A.A Hakima Esq and made available to the Daily Reality on Monday, NONIHIRA described Aminu’s detention as arbitrary and unlawful.

“The Northern Nigeria Human Rights Advocates condemns in strong terms, the arrest and incarceration of Aminu Adamu Muhammad, the 23 year old student of Federal University Dutse over frivolous allegation of defaming the character of Nigeria’s first Lady Aisha Buhari,” part of the statement reads.

NONIHIRA further stated that defamation if proven is a simple offence for which punitive fine is awarded.

The group urged persons and authorities involved in Mr Aminu’s incarceration to release him immediately and issue him with an apology and compensation.