Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, retired, has filed a N1 billion defamation suit against fellow retired officer, Maj. Gen. Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi, at the Kaduna State High Court, accusing him of making false claims linking Buratai to terrorism.
Filed on January 8, 2026, at the Kaduna Judicial Division, the lawsuit alleges that Ali-Keffi circulated statements suggesting Buratai was involved in terrorism financing, had connections with Boko Haram suspects, and aided in the alleged unlawful release or concealment of terror suspects during his tenure as COAS.
Buratai’s lawyers, A.I. Aliyu and A.M. Hassan of Law Plus Consult, said the claims were shared widely on social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, and Instagram, reaching both national and international audiences and seriously damaging his reputation.
Court documents state that Buratai denies all allegations, asserting he has never been investigated, indicted, or convicted for terrorism or related offences. The statements, he contends, falsely paint him as corrupt, unpatriotic, and complicit in actions against Nigeria’s national security.
Buratai is asking the court to order Ali-Keffi to retract the statements and issue a public apology on the platforms where they appeared, including Sahara Reporters and at least two national newspapers.
He is also seeking N1 billion in general damages, a perpetual injunction barring further publication of the claims, and full legal costs. The writ directs Ali-Keffi to respond within 21 days of service, with the court empowered to proceed in his absence if he fails to appear.
As of the filing, no hearing date had been scheduled, and Ali-Keffi had yet to file a response.
