Terrorism financing allegations: Ex-COAS Faruk Yahaya files N1.5bn defamation suit

Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has instituted a N1.5 billion defamation suit at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja against retired Major General Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi and others, including media organisations.

The suit, filed on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, followed the expiration of demand notices issued to the defendants, requesting public retractions, apologies and an end to the publication of what the claimant described as defamatory allegations.

According to retired Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, former Director of Army Public Relations, the lawsuit seeks damages totalling N1.5 billion and an additional N600 million over publications allegedly linking Gen Yahaya to terrorism financing, illegal mining and banditry.

Usman said the former Army Chief maintained that the statements were false, malicious and damaging to his reputation, character and integrity.

Court documents show that the defendants have been duly served and are expected to enter their appearances in line with court procedures.

The legal action stems from allegations reportedly made by Ali-Keffi, which linked Gen Yahaya to terrorism financiers.

The former Army Chief has repeatedly dismissed the claims as unfounded and misleading.

Through his legal team led by Mohammed Ndayako, SAN, Gen Yahaya had earlier issued a demand notice on December 17, 2025, giving the defendants 72 hours to retract the statements, publish public apologies and halt further dissemination.

Their failure to comply led to the filing of the suit.

Gen Yahaya also accused Ali-Keffi of acting out of personal animosity arising from past disciplinary issues, insisting that the allegations were motivated by malice and lacked any factual basis.

He stressed that at no point in his military career—before, during or after his tenure as Chief of Army Staff—was he involved in terrorism financing or any activity capable of undermining national security.

Reaffirming his respect for the rule of law, Gen Yahaya said he would continue to defend his name and professional integrity, adding that false accusations driven by personal grievances would not be left unanswered.