Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has demanded N10 billion in compensation and a public apology from Defence Minister Christopher Musa over alleged defamatory comments made during a Channels Television program.
El-Rufai’s lawyers, Chambers of Ubong Akpan, issued a letter before action dated Monday, September 7, following Musa’s appearance on Politics Today on September 3.
During the program, Musa accused El-Rufai of deliberately planning killings in Southern Kaduna, paying bandits, and ordering demolitions over personal disagreements. Channels Television published a transcript of the interview, in which Musa said El-Rufai had “paid bandits” and allegedly used bulldozers to demolish opponents’ houses.
El-Rufai’s lawyers described the allegations as false and defamatory, saying they portrayed the former governor as a murderer, sponsor of banditry, and a divisive politician.
They demanded an unconditional retraction and apology on Politics Today, publication of the apology in two national newspapers, and an undertaking from Musa not to repeat the allegations.
The lawyers also demanded N10 billion as compensation for the alleged damage to El-Rufai’s reputation, stressing that the amount is a settlement demand and has not been awarded by any court.
They further demanded that Musa preserve and disclose recordings, transcripts, documents, and other materials relied upon for the television interview.
Musa has been given seven days to respond to the demands. Failure to reach a resolution, the lawyers warned, could lead to legal action seeking damages, injunctions, and other remedies.
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