Nnamdi Kanu Sues Imo Police Commissioner for N10bn Over Alleged Defamation
Story: Written by Springnewsng August 18,2025
Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a N10 billion lawsuit against the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, over alleged defamatory statements linking IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), to recent killings in the state.
The suit, marked CV3179/2025, was filed at the Abuja High Court by Kanu’s lawyer, Maxwell Opara. In addition to the N10 billion in general damages, Kanu is seeking N50 million in exemplary damages, as well as a 10 percent post-judgment interest per annum until full payment is made.
Kanu is also asking the court to issue:
- A declaration that Danjuma’s press release of July 25, 2025, attributing the killings in Ndi-Ejezie, Umualaoma, and Ndiakuwata Uno communities in Arondizuogu, Ideato LGA, to IPOB/ESN, was false, speculative, and defamatory.
- An order of perpetual injunction restraining the police commissioner and the Nigerian Police Force from making similar statements in the future.
- A directive compelling the defendant to publicly retract the statement and issue an apology in at least two national newspapers and on national television.
According to Kanu’s legal team, Danjuma’s press release was issued within two hours of the attacks, accusing IPOB under Kanu’s leadership of orchestrating the killings. The statement, they argued, was not backed by evidence, investigations, or credible intelligence, as no arrests or prosecutions have followed since the allegations were made.
The lawsuit further contends that the police commissioner’s comments came at a time when IPOB’s appeal against the controversial proscription of the group as a terrorist organization was still pending before the Supreme Court, making the matter sub judice.
Opara argued that the press statement not only prejudices Kanu’s ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court but has also inflicted significant damage on his reputation both nationally and internationally.
“The statements were defamatory, false, and actuated by malice, intended to sway public opinion against my client and IPOB,” Opara stated.
The case underscores the escalating legal battles surrounding Kanu and IPOB, as well as the tension between the group’s activities and Nigeria’s security agencies.
