VC Moves to Strike Out ₦100.5bn Defamation Suit by Nasarawa Govt, Gov Sule

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been urged to strike out a ₦100.5 billion defamation lawsuit filed by the Nasarawa State Government and Governor Abdullahi Sule against Prof. Zacharys Gundu.

The application to dismiss the suit was filed by the defendant through his legal team, arguing that the court should not entertain the case. The defense contends that the government cannot sue for defamation in this manner and claims the suit lacks legal basis. The suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/3554/2025, alleges that Prof. Gundu made statements that defamed the reputation of the state and Governor Sule. It seeks ₦100.5 billion in damages, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations and the high-profile nature of the parties involved. Legal experts say the outcome of the application to strike out the case could set a precedent for how defamation cases involving public officials and government entities are handled in Nigerian courts. The court is expected to rule on the application in the coming weeks, a decision that may determine whether the suit proceeds or is dismissed.