A Nigerian auto dealer, Aliyu Muhammad, popularly known as Sarkin Mota, has threatened legal action to the tune of N2 billion against an X user, Femi Obanlekoko, over alleged defamatory claims.
Gatekeepers News reports that Obanlekoko had, on April 1, 2026, posted on X that Muhammad was invited by the Nigeria Customs Service for questioning over the alleged illegal importation of accidented vehicles from the United States into Nigeria.
In the post, he further claimed that the Customs acted on multiple reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps, alleging that customers of the dealer had complained about issues such as tampered chassis numbers, faulty airbags, and electrical sensor problems shortly after purchasing vehicles.
The tweet suggested that the businessman imported damaged vehicles at low cost, carried out substandard repairs, and resold them to Nigerians at high prices.
Responding, Muhammad described the allegations as false and damaging, demanding an immediate retraction and apology.
“You have 24 hours from this moment to publicly retract your statement and issue a clear apology across the same platforms it was made. I have spent years building my brand, my reputation, and my name with integrity and hard work. I will not stand by and allow it to be tarnished by reckless and defamatory claims.
“Failure to comply within this timeframe will leave me with no option but to take immediate legal action against you to the tune of N2 million for criminal defamation. This is not a threat; it is a commitment to protect what I have built,” he said.
Although Obanlekoko later issued an apology, he reportedly declined to delete the post.
In a follow-up statement, Muhammad intensified his warning, insisting that the matter would not be overlooked.
“You thought it was just ‘April Fool,’ but you played with the wrong name.
“You sat down, typed a whole lie about my brand, my business, and my reputation, something I’ve spent years building and now you think a simple apology wipes it off? It doesn’t work like that.
“This is exactly why people need to understand that tweets have real-life consequences. You didn’t just chase engagement; you put my credibility, my customers’ trust, and my brand on the line for clout. I’m not letting this slide. Not today, not tomorrow. I will pursue every legal option available, and I’ll make sure this one tweet costs you more than you ever imagined. If accountability feels heavy, get ready, because I’m about to put you in generational debt.
“Wherever you are, prepare yourself. This is just the beginning.”
