Lieutenant General (Dr) Faruk Yahaya (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, has filed a N1.5 billion defamation suit at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, against Major General Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi (rtd), Arise Broadcasting Limited, and Sahara Reporters Media Group Inc.
Gatekeepers News reports that the legal action was confirmed in a statement issued in Abuja on January 15, 2026, and signed by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), on behalf of Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya.
The suit, filed on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, followed the expiration of a demand notice issued to the defendants over publications and broadcasts allegedly made against the retired army chief.
Yahaya is asking the court to order formal retractions and public apologies from the defendants, whom he accused of publishing false and malicious reports that damaged his reputation. He is also seeking monetary damages amounting to N1.5 billion and an additional N600 million as compensation.
According to court documents, the disputed reports allegedly linked the former army chief to terrorism financing, illegal mining activities, and banditry. Yahaya described the allegations as baseless and injurious to his character, integrity, and years of military service.
The case has been duly filed before the FCT High Court, and the defendants have been served and asked to enter appearance in accordance with the rules of court.
