Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (rtd) has instituted a defamation suit at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja against Major General Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi (rtd), Arise Broadcasting Limited and Sahara Reporters Media Group Inc. following the expiration of a demand notice.
In the suit filed on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, General Yahaya is seeking, among other reliefs, formal retractions and public apologies from the defendants over alleged defamatory publications, as well as monetary damages of N1.5 billion and N600 million respectively.
According to a statement on the suit by former Nigerian Army Spokesperson, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) on behalf of General Yahaya, “the action arises from publications and broadcasts which the claimant contends were false, malicious and injurious to his reputation, character and integrity, linking him to allegations of terrorism financing, illegal mining and banditry.
“Court processes show that the matter has been duly filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and the defendants have been served to enter appearance in accordance with the rules of court.”