The Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle, has launched a N60 billion defamation lawsuit against northern journalists Shu’aibu Mungadi and Tijjani Ramalan, along with their media outlets. The former Zamfara State governor claims the journalists and their affiliated platforms, including Vision FM, Farin Wata Television, and Liberty Radio and TV, have waged a defamatory campaign accusing him of sponsoring banditry in Nigeria’s North-West.
Filed at the Kano State High Court, Bichi Division, under suit number K/M2102/2024, Matawalle is seeking N10 billion in damages from each of the six defendants. His legal team, led by Umar Said, is also pushing for an interlocutory injunction to prevent further defamatory broadcasts until the case is resolved. The lawsuit requests a public apology and retraction to be published in both local and nationwide newspapers.
The minister’s personal assistant, Masudu Abdulkadir, testified that since January 2024, the defendants have spread false allegations, portraying Matawalle as linked to banditry and kidnappings. Despite the accusations, Matawalle asserts that during his tenure as governor, he made significant efforts to combat insecurity. He sees the lawsuit as a crucial step to clear his name amid rising political pressures.
The case is set for hearing on December 12, 2024. Observers note that the outcome could impact the political landscape, particularly in the volatile North-West region, where accusations of ties between politicians and bandit groups have escalated amid ongoing security crises.
