The Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle, has filed a lawsuit against two northern journalists, Shu’aibu Mungadi and Tijjani Ramalan, accusing them of defamation and malicious reporting. Matawalle, the former Governor of Zamfara State, is demanding N10 billion in general damages from each of the six defendants involved, along with a 10% post-judgment interest on the total sum until full payment.

Details of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit, identified as K/M2102/2024 and dated October 25, 2024, also implicates Vision Media Services Ltd, Vision FM, Farin Wata Television, and Liberty Radio and TV as defendants. According to an affidavit submitted by Alhaji Masudu Abdulkadir, Matawalle’s personal assistant, the media outlets allegedly broadcasted defamatory content claiming that Matawalle was a sponsor of banditry and kidnappings in the North-West, including Zamfara State.

The affidavit states that these allegations, made on platforms managed by the journalists and their employers, have caused significant damage to the minister’s reputation. The affidavit also highlighted that the broadcasts and postings were accessible across the North-West region, including Kano State, and globally via online platforms.

Claims Against the Defendants

The plaintiff alleges that the statements were false, injurious, and designed to tarnish his reputation. Matawalle, who served as the Chief Security Officer of Zamfara State for four years, emphasized his efforts to combat insecurity during his tenure. He argued that unless the defendants are restrained, their actions will continue to harm his character and reputation.

The suit seeks an interlocutory injunction to prevent the defendants from broadcasting or publishing any further content related to Matawalle or his office until the case is resolved.

Reliefs Requested

Matawalle’s legal team, led by Umar Said of Umar and Umar Chambers, is asking the court for:

1. A declaration that the defendants’ allegations and broadcasts constitute defamation.
2. A perpetual injunction barring the defendants and their representatives from making further defamatory statements.
3. A court order compelling the defendants to issue a written apology, accompanied by a retraction of the defamatory statements, to be prominently published in two newspapers—one local and one nationwide.

Court Hearing Scheduled

The case, presided over by Justice Musa Ahmad of the Kano State High Court, Bichi Division, is set for a hearing on December 12, 2024.

Background of the Allegations

This legal action follows recent calls for investigations into Matawalle’s alleged connections to banditry. A faction within the All Progressives Congress (APC), known as the Akida Forum, had petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the minister’s alleged ties to bandits. Similarly, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal urged Matawalle to step down from his ministerial role to clear his name and revealed that he had reported the allegations to the National Security Adviser and President Bola Tinubu.

Matawalle’s Denials

Matawalle has consistently denied any involvement with banditry or kidnappings, dismissing the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.

The case is set to draw significant attention as the hearing date approaches, given its implications for press freedom, public accountability, and the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.