Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd.), has filed a N1 billion defamation suit against fellow retired officer, Maj. Gen. Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi (retd.), at the Kaduna State High Court.
The suit, filed on January 8, 2026, at the Kaduna Judicial Division, alleges that Ali-Keffi made and circulated false statements linking Buratai to terrorism, including claims that he financed terrorism, had ties to Boko Haram suspects, and facilitated the illegal release and concealment of terror suspects during his tenure as COAS.
Buratai’s lawyers, A.I. Aliyu and A.M. Hassan of Law Plus Consult, said the statements were widely circulated on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, Instagram, and other online platforms, causing serious harm to their client’s reputation.
Court documents state that Buratai denies all allegations, emphasizing that he has never been investigated, indicted, or convicted for terrorism or related offences, and described the claims as portraying him as corrupt and unpatriotic.
The former army chief is seeking an order requiring Ali-Keffi to retract the statements, issue a public apology on the same platforms, including Sahara Reporters, and at least two national newspapers, N1 billion in general damages, a perpetual injunction against further publications, and coverage of all legal costs.
The writ directs Ali-Keffi to enter an appearance within 21 days of service, with the court authorized to proceed in his absence if he fails to respond.
No hearing date has been scheduled, and Ali-Keffi has yet to file a response.
