Gubernatorial Aspirant Sues Gov. Sule’s Appointee for ₦1.2 Billion Over Slanderous Facebook Interview
Renowned politician and gubernatorial aspirant, under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nassarawa State Ayuba Umar, has filed a ₦1.2 billion defamation lawsuit against Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi over what he describes as slanderous and malicious statements made in a widely circulated Facebook interview.
Recall that Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, was recently appointed by Nassarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on chieftaincy Affairs.
Meanwhile, in a suit filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Umar is seeking declarations, apologies, retractions, and monetary damages amounting to over ₦1.2 billion for reputational damage and psychological trauma allegedly caused by Abdullahi’s public remarks.
According to court documents, Umar alleges that Abdullahi, during a Hausa-language interview uploaded by a Facebook user identified as Prince Zaid Dunama, accused him of mismanaging millions of naira belonging to Nasarawa News Day, a media company founded by Umar, which allegedly led to the loss of over 700 jobs.
The plaintiff further claims that Abdullahi accused him of running Day Nigeria, another newspaper outfit, into bankruptcy, and making money through blackmail. Additionally, Abdullahi reportedly called Umar “a dark illiterate” and “a bad Muslim,” attacking both his academic credentials and religious integrity.
The defamatory interview, Umar says, has been viewed by thousands and has seriously damaged his personal, professional, and political image ahead of the 2027 governorship race in Nasarawa State. He cites psychological trauma, political setback, and loss of reputation, stating that even his political party has since withdrawn support for his gubernatorial ambition.
Umar, who describes himself as a seasoned journalist with training from the United States, insists the claims made in the interview are false, malicious, and politically motivated, accusing Abdullahi of acting with “ill motive” and “reckless disregard for the truth.” He adds that a certified English translation of the interview will be tendered as evidence during the trial.
As part of the reliefs sought, Umar is asking the court for:
A declaration that the statements made by the Defendant were false and defamatory.
An unreserved public apology to be posted on the same social media platforms.
A perpetual injunction restraining Abdullahi from making similar statements in the future.
₦20 million in exemplary damages.
A staggering ₦1.2 billion in general damages for reputational harm and political losses.
Umar’s legal team, Aleem Attorneys, alleges that after a formal letter of demand was served through substituted means, Abdullahi refused to apologize or retract the statements. They also point to a photo allegedly showing Abdullahi receiving an appointment from the Nasarawa State Government shortly after the defamatory interview — implying political reward for the attack.
The case promises to attract significant public and media attention, especially within Nasarawa’s political circles, as it brings freedom of speech, political rivalry, and social media accountability to the legal front burner.
The matter is yet to be assigned a hearing date as of press time.
