Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd.), has dragged another retired senior military officer, Maj. Gen. Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi (retd.), before the Kaduna State High Court over alleged defamatory statements bordering on terrorism.
The ₦1 billion suit, filed on January 8, 2026, at the Kaduna Judicial Division of the High Court, accuses Ali-Keffi of making and circulating false, malicious and damaging allegations linking Buratai to terrorism financing, Boko Haram suspects, and the illegal release and concealment of terror suspects.
In the suit instituted through his lawyers, A.I. Aliyu and A.M. Hassan of Law Plus Consult, Buratai is asking the court to declare that the statements attributed to the defendant and published across several online platforms including Sahara Reporters and multiple social media channels are defamatory and harmful to his reputation.
According to court documents, Buratai alleged that Ali-Keffi granted interviews in 2025 in which he insinuated that the former army chief had links with terror financiers and was involved in a conspiracy to cover up terrorism-related activities during his tenure.
Buratai stated that the publications enjoyed wide circulation on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, Instagram and other platforms, giving the allegations both national and international exposure.
In his statement of claim, the retired general maintained that the allegations are entirely false, stressing that he has never been investigated, indicted or convicted for terrorism or terrorism financing. He argued that the statements portrayed him as corrupt, unpatriotic and complicit in actions inimical to Nigeria’s national security, thereby causing serious damage to his honour, integrity and global standing.
He further accused the defendant of acting recklessly and maliciously, noting that Ali-Keffi allegedly admitted in the same publications that no investigation had established Buratai’s involvement in terrorism financing.
Buratai is seeking an order compelling Ali-Keffi to retract the statements and issue an unreserved public apology with equal prominence in Sahara Reporters, two national newspapers, and across all social media platforms where the allegations were circulated.
He is also demanding ₦1 billion in general damages for libel, citing the severity of terrorism-related accusations, the extent of publication, and the defendant’s status as a former senior military officer. In addition, he is asking for a perpetual injunction restraining Ali-Keffi from repeating the alleged defamatory statements, as well as full payment of the cost of the suit, including legal fees.
The court has directed the defendant to enter an appearance within 21 days of service, failing which the matter may proceed in his absence. As at the time of filing this report, no hearing date has been fixed and Ali-Keffi is yet to respond.
