Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) of Nigeria, has filed a N10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Edo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Aziegbemi.
The lawsuit was triggered by allegations made by Aziegbemi regarding the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.
In a statement titled *“EDO 2024: Presidency’s Move to Interfere, Manipulate Guber Poll Using DSS, NSA Uncovered,”* Aziegbemi claimed that Ribadu had directed the release of $2 million to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.
Aziegbemi’s statement alleged that the money was meant to buy votes and bribe security agencies to favor the APC in the Edo 2024 governorship election.
These accusations, which have sparked public interest, prompted Ribadu to take swift legal action against the Edo PDP chairman.
In a letter sent through his legal representatives, Charles Musa and Co., Ribadu condemned the allegations, calling them defamatory and baseless.
The legal firm stated that the allegations had severely harmed Ribadu’s reputation by portraying him as a facilitator of corruption.
According to the letter, Aziegbemi’s statement also depicted Ribadu’s office as a tool for political manipulation, causing the NSA significant personal and professional injury.
The legal representatives emphasized Ribadu’s distinguished career as a public servant and his consistent dedication to ethical standards.
The letter also highlighted Ribadu’s previous role as the pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was known for his commitment to fighting corruption.
The statement from Charles Musa and Co. read, *“We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (our Client), in response to your press statement titled ‘EDO 2024: Presidency’s Move to Interfere, Manipulate Guber Poll Using DSS, NSA Uncovered.’”*
The legal letter further stressed that the publication falsely accused Ribadu of ordering the release of $2 million for vote-buying, a claim that they strongly rejected.
The letter continued, “This malicious and libellous statement has brought our Client into public disdain and odium. Your portrayal of our Client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo State is entirely false and damaging to his reputation.”*
Ribadu’s legal team expressed deep disappointment in the allegations, considering the NSA’s track record of upholding integrity in his public service career.
The letter from the law firm added, “As a renowned career police officer and the pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), our Client has consistently demonstrated integrity and a commitment to fighting corruption. It is inconceivable that he would be involved in such odious acts.”
The legal team, on behalf of Ribadu, demanded several conditions to be met by Aziegbemi to rectify the situation.
Among the demands is a written apology to Ribadu, which must be publicly released.
The legal team also called for a full retraction of the statement by Aziegbemi in its entirety.
They requested that the retraction be published in full-page advertorials in at least five widely circulated newspapers across Nigeria.
Furthermore, Ribadu’s legal representatives demanded that the retraction be published on ten reputable and widely read online news platforms.
The letter also listed the need for the retraction to be broadcast on seven national and international television stations, as well as ten radio channels with national and international reach.
Additionally, the NSA is seeking N10 billion in damages for the reputational harm and other injuries caused by the false allegations.
The letter issued a stern warning, stating that if Aziegbemi does not meet these demands within seven days, further legal action will be taken.
“Take notice that if our demands are not met within seven days, we shall proceed with our Client’s further instructions, including taking legal action to enforce his rights,” the letter read.
The lawsuit comes at a critical time as political tensions rise ahead of the Edo State governorship election scheduled for 2024.
Accusations of election interference and manipulation have been recurring themes in Nigerian politics, with security agencies often being drawn into the fray.
The involvement of the presidency and high-ranking officials like Ribadu in such allegations has only heightened public attention.
Ribadu, a former anti-corruption czar who earned national and international recognition during his tenure at the EFCC, has built a reputation as a staunch fighter against corruption.
