Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has instituted a N60 billion defamation suit against former presidential aide and prominent Tinubu supporter, Reno Omokri.
Kanu, through his Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, filed the suit at the Enugu High Court, describing it as a “muscular legal action” in response to alleged defamatory statements made by Omokri against him and the IPOB movement.
According to the writ of summons, Kanu is seeking N50 billion in general damages for defamation, reputational harm, emotional distress, and prejudice to ongoing legal proceedings. An additional N10 billion is being demanded as aggravated damages for what he described as malicious and reckless publications.
The IPOB leader is also asking the court to compel Omokri to publish a full retraction and public apology in two national newspapers and on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), within seven days of judgment.
The writ summon reads partly: “General damages in the sum of N50,000,000,000.00 (Fifty Billion Naira) for defamation, including injury to reputation, emotional distress, and prejudice to ongoing judicial proceedings.
“Aggravated damages in the sum of N10,000,000,000.00 (Ten Bilion Naira) for the malicious and reckless publication of false statements by the Defendant.
“An order directing the Defendant to publish a full retraction of the defamatory statements in two national newspapers and on the Defendant’s Twitter/X account within 7 days of the court’s judgment.
“An order directing the Defendant to publish a public apology to the Plaintiff in two national newspapers and on the Defendant’s Twitter/X account, admitting to the misrepresentation of facts.”
Further reliefs sought include a perpetual injunction restraining Omokri or his associates from making any further defamatory statements, as well as coverage of legal costs and interest on monetary awards at 10% per annum from the date of judgment until full payment.
The case comes amid heightened political discourse and continued legal battles surrounding Kanu’s detention and IPOB’s activities.
