Nnamdi Kanu Seeks N10 Billion in Damages from Imo CP for Alleged Defamation

Nnamdi Kanu Seeks N10 Billion in Damages from Imo CP for Alleged Defamation

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a lawsuit against Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, demanding N10 billion in general damages over alleged defamation. Kanu's lawyer, Maxwell Opara, filed the suit at the Abuja High Court, marked CV3179/2025, seeking damages for the alleged harm caused to Kanu's reputation.

The lawsuit stems from a press release issued by Danjuma on July 25, attributing gruesome killings in Imo State communities to IPOB/ESN members. Kanu contends that this statement was false, unsubstantiated, speculative, and defamatory. In the press release, Danjuma allegedly stated that "IPOB under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu orchestrated the attacks- gruesome killings in Imo communities."

Kanu claims that Danjuma's statement was made without proper investigation, evidence, or credible intelligence, and that no arrest or criminal prosecution has been initiated after the press release. He argues that the statement has caused serious damage to his reputation nationally and internationally. Kanu is currently standing trial at the Federal High Court on an allegation of terrorism, and his lawyer contends that Danjuma's pronouncements were made while the matter was sub judice and therefore prejudicial to Kanu's fair trial rights.

It's worth noting that Kanu's current detention is a subject of controversy. He was illegally abducted from Kenya by the Nigerian government and has been detained since then, despite a Court of Appeal judgment that discharged and acquitted him. The appellate court held that the Federal High Court in Abuja lacked jurisdiction to try Kanu after he was "illegally, crudely and extra-ordinarily renditioned" to Nigeria from Kenya. The Supreme Court also upheld the extra-ordinary rendition.

Kanu is seeking a declaration that Danjuma's press release attributing the killings to IPOB/ESN members is false, unsubstantiated, speculative, and defamatory. He also seeks an order restraining Danjuma and officers of the Nigerian Police Force from further making similar defamatory statements. Additionally, Kanu wants Danjuma to issue a public retraction and apology to him in at least two national dailies and on national television.

Furthermore, Kanu is seeking N10 billion in general damages and N50 million in exemplary damages. He also wants 10% post-judgment interest per annum on the entire judgment sum from the date of judgment till it is fully liquidated.

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tensions between IPOB and the Nigerian government, with Kanu seeking redress for alleged defamation and damage to his reputation. The outcome of this case may have implications for the relationship between the IPOB leader and the government, as well as the broader context of freedom of expression and the press in Nigeria.