Enugu, Nigeria – Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has filed a defamation suit against social commentator Reno Omokri, seeking N60 billion in damages for what he describes as malicious and prejudicial statements linking him and his organisation to acts of terrorism. The action was commenced yesterday at the High Court of Enugu State, with Kanu accusing Omokri of damaging his reputation and prejudicing his ongoing trial.
In the writ of summons, dated 31 July 2025 and marked Suit No. E/1034/2025, Kanu claims that a post published by Omokri on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on 6 July 2025 falsely portrayed him, IPOB, and the Igbo people as responsible for the killings of security personnel in Nigeria’s Southeast region. The post, which has garnered significant attention, read in part: “Do you know how many Nigerian soldiers, police officers, customs, immigration, and prison officers, as well as NSCDC servicemen and women, have been killed by IPOB, ESN, and Unknown Gunmen in the Southeast, of which the majority have been from Northern Nigeria?” This was embedded within a broader commentary criticising former presidential candidate Peter Obi’s stance on Kanu’s detention.
Kanu, who is currently facing trial in Abuja on charges including terrorism and treasonable felony, argues that Omokri’s statements are baseless, defamatory, and amount to “engaging in terrorist activities” without evidence or lawful justification. The suit contends that no Nigerian court has convicted him of involvement in such killings or acts of terrorism, rendering Omokri’s assertions “factually incorrect and malicious.” Furthermore, Kanu alleges that the publication constitutes prejudicial commentary on his pending judicial proceedings, violating his right to a fair hearing under Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The plaintiff is demanding:
- General damages of N50 billion for defamation, including injury to reputation, emotional distress, and prejudice to ongoing judicial proceedings.
- Aggravated damages of N10 billion for the “malicious and reckless” nature of the publication.
- An order directing Omokri to publish a full retraction in two national newspapers and on his X account within seven days of the court’s judgement.
- A public apology in two national newspapers and on his X account, admitting to the misrepresentation of facts.
- A perpetual injunction restraining Omokri, his agents, or associates from further publishing defamatory or prejudicial statements about Kanu.
- Costs of the action, including legal fees, and interest on all monetary awards at 10% per annum from the date of judgement until full payment.
The suit was filed through Kanu’s legal team, led by barrister Aloy Ejimakor, alongside other counsel including P.N. Agazie Esq., B.C. Anyi Esq., and others. Ejimakor announced the development on X earlier today, stating: “Yesterday, MAZI NNAMDI KANU commenced a muscular legal action against RENO OMOKRI (@renoomokri), seeking a retraction, apology & damages for Omokri’s highly defamatory & prejudicial publications against Mazi Kanu, IPOB & #Ndigbo. Others like Omokri should take note & be guided.”
Omokri, a former special assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and a vocal critic of separatist movements, has yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit. His original post, which referenced Obi’s interview on Channels Television advocating for a “political solution” to Kanu’s case, sparked heated debates online, with some users accusing Omokri of stoking ethnic tensions and others supporting his warnings about national unity.
This legal move comes amid Kanu’s protracted detention and trial, which has drawn international attention and polarised opinions in Nigeria. IPOB, declared a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government in 2017, advocates for the self-determination of the Southeast region, often referred to as Biafra. Kanu was rearrested in Kenya in 2021 after jumping bail and has remained in custody despite calls for his release from various quarters, including Obi.
Legal experts suggest the case could test the boundaries of free speech on social media versus defamation laws in Nigeria, particularly when statements intersect with ongoing court matters. If successful, it would mark one of the highest defamation payouts in the country’s history.
Omokri has been commanded to appear within 42 days of service, failing which judgement may be entered in his absence. The matter is expected to proceed in the Enugu Judicial Division.
