Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has filed a N1 billion defamation suit against Maj. Gen. Danjuma Ali-Keffi (retd.) over claims allegedly linking him to terrorism financing and Boko Haram activities.
The suit, instituted on January 8, 2026, before the Kaduna State High Court, accuses Ali-Keffi of making and circulating statements that Buratai described as false, malicious and damaging to his reputation as a former top military commander.
According to court filings, Buratai contends that Ali-Keffi granted interviews in 2025 in which he allegedly suggested that the former army chief had links with terror suspects and financiers, and was involved in the illegal release and concealment of individuals accused of terrorism during his tenure.
Buratai, who is represented by A.I. Aliyu and A.M. Hassan of Law Plus Consult, said the statements were published by Sahara Reporters and widely circulated across social media platforms, including Facebook, X, WhatsApp and Instagram, giving the allegations far-reaching local and international exposure.
He maintained that the accusations are completely unfounded, stressing that he has never been investigated, indicted or convicted for terrorism, terror financing or any related offence.
The former army chief argued that the publications portrayed him as corrupt, unpatriotic and complicit in acts that threaten Nigeria’s national security, thereby gravely injuring his honour, credibility and standing both within and outside the country.
Buratai further alleged that Ali-Keffi acted with recklessness and malice, noting that the defendant reportedly admitted in the same publications that no investigation had linked Buratai to terrorism financing.
As part of the reliefs sought, Buratai is asking the court to order an immediate retraction of the alleged defamatory statements and the publication of an unreserved public apology in Sahara Reporters, two national newspapers and on all social media platforms where the claims were circulated.
He is also demanding N1 billion in general damages for libel, citing the gravity of terrorism-related allegations, their extensive circulation and the defendant’s status as a retired senior military officer.
In addition, the plaintiff is seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Ali-Keffi from further publishing or repeating the alleged defamatory statements, as well as an order compelling him to pay the full cost of the suit, including legal fees.
The writ of summons requires Ali-Keffi to enter an appearance within 21 days of service. No date has yet been fixed for the commencement of hearing, and the defendant has not responded to the suit as of the time of this report.
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