Abiola Family Sues Nigeria Police Force for Alleged Defamation

Strategic Insights -

Prof Zainab-Duke Abiola, the widow of MKO Abiola, has filed a lawsuit against the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Inspector-General of Police Alkali Baba, and Teju Moses alleging defamation and framing her up for assaulting a policewoman. According to Prof. Abiola, the police used Teju Moses to frame her up on September 20, 2022, and spread defamatory statements through various media channels, damaging her reputation and causing her significant emotional distress. The plaintiff claims that the defamation caused her irreparable harm, including damage to her international reputation and reduced standing in society.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prof Zainab-Duke Abiola sued the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Inspector-General of Police Alkali Baba, and Teju Moses for alleged defamation.
  • The plaintiff claims that the police framed her up for assaulting a policewoman on September 20, 2022, and spread defamatory statements through various media channels.
  • Prof. Abiola's reputation and international standing were damaged, causing her significant emotional distress, ill health, and trauma.
  • The plaintiff seeks damages of N100 billion, a public apology, retractions, and costs.
  • The case has been fixed for February 28, 2023, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
  • The plaintiff's statement of claim also includes detailed allegations of harassment, shame, ridicule, and public embarrassment.
  • Prof. Abiola's lawyer, Mr Tawo Tawo, SAN, provided detailed evidence and documentation to support the plaintiff's claims.

Statistics:

  • The plaintiff seeks damages of N100 billion.
  • The case has been fixed for February 28, 2023, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
  • The plaintiff's lawsuit was filed at the Federal High Court registry in Abuja with case number FHC/ABJ/CS/2370/2022.

Sources:

  • [Nigerian Tribune, "Abiola family sues Nigeria Police Force for N100 billion over alleged defamation" (no date provided)]
  • [Guardian Newspaper, "Abiola: Police frame up, says wife" (no date provided)]