Matawalle Files ₦60 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against Journalists Over Banditry Allegations

Matawalle Files ₦60 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against Journalists Over Banditry AllegationsThe Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle, has filed a defamation lawsuit against two prominent northern journalists, Shu’aibu Mungadi and Tijjani Ramalan, over allegations of malicious reporting. The lawsuit, identified as K/M2102/2024 and dated October 25, seeks ₦10 billion in general damages from each of the six defendants, along with a 10% post-judgment interest until the amount is fully paid.

Also named in the lawsuit are the employers of the journalists: Vision Media Services Ltd, Vision FM, Farin Wata Television, and Liberty Radio and TV. In the affidavit supporting the motion for an interlocutory injunction, sworn by Alhaji Masudu Abdulkadir, Matawalle’s personal assistant, it is claimed that the defendants, through their respective media outlets, broadcasted defamatory statements accusing Matawalle of being a sponsor of bandits.

The affidavit alleges that from January 2024, the defendants began airing, publishing, and spreading harmful and defamatory content about Matawalle, painting him as a supporter of banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, particularly in Zamfara State. These broadcasts were reportedly accessible across multiple platforms, including YouTube, radio stations, and TV channels, affecting the reputation of Matawalle both locally and internationally.

Matawalle’s legal team asserts that should the main lawsuit be deemed frivolous, the plaintiff would be liable for damages, but stresses that unless the court intervenes, the defamatory statements will continue to harm Matawalle’s character and reputation. As part of the legal request, Matawalle is seeking an interlocutory injunction to prevent further defamatory broadcasts or publications until the case is resolved.

In addition, Matawalle is seeking a declaration that the statements made by the defendants from January 2024 onwards constitute defamation. The lawsuit also demands a perpetual injunction to stop the defendants from further damaging Matawalle’s reputation. Furthermore, Matawalle’s legal team is calling for a public apology, including a retraction of the defamatory statements, to be published in both local and national newspapers.

The Kano State High Court, Bichi Division, has scheduled a hearing for December 12, 2024, to address these matters.

This legal action comes amidst growing political pressure, particularly from a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) known as the Akida Forum, which has called for an independent investigation into Matawalle’s alleged connections with bandits. The group also staged a protest at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters, demanding an inquiry into the matter. In addition, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has called for Matawalle’s resignation, urging him to clear his name in the face of these allegations. Matawalle, however, has consistently denied any involvement with bandits.

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