EX-NIGERIAN ARMY CHIEF BURATAI FILES N1 BILLION DEFAMATION CASE AGAINST ALI-KEFFI

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By: Fasasi Hammad

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd.), has filed a N1 billion defamation lawsuit against fellow retired officer, Maj. Gen. Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi (retd.), at the Kaduna State High Court, over alleged statements linking him to terrorism.

Filed on January 8, 2026, at the Kaduna Judicial Division, the suit claims that Ali-Keffi made and circulated false allegations suggesting that Buratai was involved in terrorism financing, had connections with Boko Haram suspects, and participated in the unlawful release and concealment of terror suspects during his tenure as COAS.

Buratai’s lawyers, A.I. Aliyu and A.M. Hassan of Law Plus Consult, stated that the claims, published on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, Instagram, and other online platforms, were widely circulated nationally and internationally, causing significant harm to Buratai’s reputation.

Court documents further indicate that Buratai has never been investigated, charged, or convicted for terrorism or related offenses. He described the allegations as false, portraying him as corrupt, unpatriotic, and complicit in activities against Nigeria’s national security.

The lawsuit seeks a court order requiring Ali-Keffi to retract the statements publicly and issue apologies on the platforms where the claims were published, including Sahara Reporters and at least two national newspapers.

In addition, Buratai is seeking N1 billion in general damages, a perpetual injunction barring further publication of the statements, and full coverage of legal costs.

“The writ gives Ali-Keffi 21 days to respond, and the court can continue the case if he does not.”

As of the filing, no hearing date had been scheduled, and Ali-Keffi had yet to file a response.