Buratai Files ₦1 Billion Defamation Suit Against Ali‑Keffi Over Terrorism Allegations
The former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has instituted a ₦1 billion defamation action against another retired senior officer, Maj. Gen. Ali‑Keffi (retd.), before the Federal High Court, Kaduna Judicial Division.
Buratai alleges that Ali‑Keffi made and circulated false and malicious statements linking him to terrorism financing, Boko Haram suspects, and the concealment of terror suspects.
The alleged defamatory remarks were published across multiple online platforms and social media outlets, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, and Instagram, thereby giving the allegations both national and international reach.
According to the statement of claim, Ali‑Keffi granted interviews in 2025 insinuating Buratai’s involvement in terrorism‑related conspiracies during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff.
Through his counsel, A.I. Aliyu and A.M. Hassan of Law Plus Consult, Buratai is seeking judicial declarations that the statements are defamatory and injurious to his reputation.
An order directing Ali‑Keffi to retract the statements and publish an unreserved public apology in Sahara Reporters, two national newspapers, and all social media platforms where the allegations were circulated.
The plaintiff is claiming ₦1 billion in general damages for libel and reputational injury and a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from further publishing or repeating the alleged defamatory statements.
Also seeking an order compelling the defendant to pay the full cost of the suit, including solicitor’s fees.
Buratai maintains that he has never been investigated, indicted, or convicted for terrorism or terrorism financing, and the allegations portray him as corrupt, unpatriotic, and complicit in acts inimical to Nigeria’s national security, thereby causing grave damage to his honour and standing both locally and internationally.
The defendant acted recklessly and maliciously, despite admitting in the same publications that no investigation had established Buratai’s involvement in terrorism financing.
The writ of summons directs Ali‑Keffi to enter an appearance within 21 days of service, failing which the matter may proceed in his absence.
As at the time of filing, no date has been fixed for the commencement of hearing, and the defendant has not filed a response.
