On Monday, September 16, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), announced that he is considering a lawsuit in response to serious allegations made by Anthony Aziegbemi, the chairperson of the Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Aziegbemi, in a statement on September 14, accused the Federal Government of plotting to rig the upcoming Edo Governorship Election with the help of Ribadu and the Department of State Services (DSS). He alleged that Ribadu had handed $2 million to the APC governorship candidate as part of this scheme.
In response, Ribadu’s legal team, Charles Musa & Co, has labeled these allegations as “totally false” and demanded a retraction. The lawyers issued a letter stating, “We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (our Client), in response to your press statement titled ‘Edo 2024: presidency’s move to interfere, manipulate guber poll using DSS, NSA uncovered.’”
The letter described the claims that Ribadu ordered $2 million to be released to the APC candidate to buy votes and bribe security agencies as “malicious and libelous.” Ribadu’s lawyers argued that these accusations have unfairly damaged their client’s reputation and portrayed him as a corruption enabler, which they argue is completely false and damaging.
“As a renowned career police officer and pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), our Client has consistently demonstrated integrity and a commitment to fighting corruption. It is inconceivable that he would be involved in such odious acts,” the letter continued.
The legal team is demanding a formal written apology and a full retraction of the statement, to be published in a full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers, ten reputable online news sites, seven national and international television stations, and ten radio channels with national and international reach. They are also seeking N10 billion in damages for reputational harm and other injuries.
The lawyers have given a seven-day deadline for these demands to be met, warning that they will proceed with legal action if their requests are not addressed.
