Nnamdi Kanu Sues Reno Omokri, Demands ₦60 Billion for Defamation

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has instituted a ₦60 billion lawsuit against former presidential aide and political commentator, Reno Omokri, over alleged defamatory statements. The suit, filed at the High Court of Enugu State by Kanu's legal team led by his Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, seeks ₦50 billion as general damages for reputational harm, emotional distress, and the impact on his ongoing legal proceedings, as well as ₦10 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages. Kanu is also asking the court to order Omokri to issue a retraction and public apology, both to be published in two national newspapers and on his social media platforms. In addition, he is seeking a perpetual injunction to restrain Omokri from making any further defamatory statements against him, IPOB, or his legal representatives. The legal action, according to Ejimakor, was triggered by what he described as repeated, false, and malicious claims made by Omokri that have caused significant damage to Kanu’s reputation and prejudiced his case. He noted that the lawsuit should serve as a warning to public figures who use their platforms to spread misinformation and character assassination. Kanu, who is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), remains on trial for charges related to treason and terrorism. The case against Omokri is expected to be heard in the coming weeks, with legal observers closely watching its potential implications on public discourse, online commentary, and defamation law in Nigeria. Omokri has not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit.