Former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Rtd.), GCFR, has strongly refuted reports linking him to ownership of a gold-mining site in Niger State, describing the claims as “false, baseless, and defamatory.”
In an official statement obtained by Veracity Desk (veracitydesk.com) on Saturday, from the elder statesman’s media office, the octogenarian emphasized that he has no connection to mining operations anywhere in Nigeria.
The statement which was signed by Dr. David Adeniran reads in part, “General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida does not own, lease, or possess any mineral rights, properties, or lands related to mining operations anywhere in Niger State or across Nigeria,” the statement declared, stressing that the allegations were a “severe misrepresentation of facts and an egregious act of blackmail.”
The retired statesman, who has lived peacefully in Minna since leaving office in 1993, was accused in some online reports of directing miners to ignore local directives. His Media Office dismissed the claim as “completely unfounded,” reiterating that he has never acquired or operated land for mining purposes in his lifetime.
Condolences Over Custodial Deaths
General Babangida expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of 37 individuals while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), extending condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Niger State. He pledged full support for the independent inquiry launched by the Niger State Government and the Federal Ministry of Interior to uncover the true cause of the tragedy.
Legal Warning to Media Outlets
The statement issued a stern warning to media platforms, cautioning against the spread of unverified and sensationalized claims.
“The legal team of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has been fully briefed and is actively monitoring all reportage of this defamatory falsehood. Immediate civil and criminal remedies will be aggressively pursued against any individual, blog, or mainstream media platform that continues to circulate these malicious lies,” the Office stated.
The public was urged to disregard the allegations entirely, as the Media Office reaffirmed General Babangida’s commitment to peace, lawfulness, and cooperation with authorities.
Signed: Dr. David Adeniran For: General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR
