Matawalle Sues Journalists, Media Outlets For Alleged Defamation
The Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle, has filed a N10 billion defamation lawsuit against two journalists, Shu’aibu Mungadi and Tijjani Ramalan, along with their employers—Vision Media Services Ltd, Vision FM, Farin Wata Television, and Liberty Radio and TV.
The suit, filed at the Kano State High Court, Bichi Division, accuses the defendants of publishing false and defamatory statements portraying Matawalle as a sponsor of banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria’s North-West region. The former Zamfara State governor argues that these allegations have damaged his reputation and character.
Claims in the Lawsuit
In the affidavit supporting the motion for interlocutory injunction, Matawalle’s representative, Alhaji Masudu Abdulkadir, alleged that the defamatory content aired across various media platforms starting in January 2024. These broadcasts, he claimed, were widely disseminated, reaching audiences in Zamfara, Kano, and beyond via online channels.
Matawalle seeks the following from the court:
1.N10 billion in general damages from each of the six defendants.
2.A perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from further defamation.
3.A public apology and retraction of the alleged defamatory statements, to be published in two prominent newspapers.
4.10% post-judgment interest on the awarded damages until payment is completed.
Allegations and Counterclaims
The lawsuit comes amid mounting scrutiny of Matawalle’s alleged ties to insecurity in Zamfara and other North-West states. A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Akida Forum, recently called for a thorough investigation into Matawalle’s alleged connections to bandits. Similarly, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has urged Matawalle to step down from his ministerial position to clear his name.
Despite these allegations, Matawalle has consistently denied any involvement with banditry, dismissing the claims as politically motivated.
Next Steps
The Kano State High Court has scheduled a hearing for December 12, 2024. Matawalle’s legal team has urged the court to grant an interlocutory injunction to prevent further defamatory broadcasts until the case is resolved.
As the legal battle unfolds, the case highlights the tension between public accountability and potential misuse of defamation laws in Nigeria’s political landscape.
