Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya (rtd), has instituted a defamation suit at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, against Major General Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi (rtd), Arise Broadcasting Limited and Sahara Reporters Media Group Inc.
The suit was filed on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, after the expiration of a demand notice issued to the defendants.
Yahaya is seeking, among other reliefs, formal retractions and public apologies, as well as monetary damages amounting to ₦1.5 billion and ₦600 million.
The legal action stems from publications and broadcasts which allegedly linked the former army chief to terrorism financing, illegal mining and banditry.
According to the claimant, the reports were false, malicious and damaging to his reputation, integrity and public standing.
“The allegations are untrue and were published with malicious intent,” the court documents stated.
Yahaya contended that the publications portrayed him as being involved in serious crimes, thereby eroding public confidence in his person.
He said the reports caused him reputational harm, emotional distress and public embarrassment.
The former army chief is also asking the court to restrain the defendants from further publishing the alleged defamatory content in any form.
Court processes indicate that the matter has been duly filed before the FCT High Court, Abuja, and that the defendants have been served to enter appearance.