Former Chief Of Army Staff Buratai Sues Retired Officer For N1 Billion Over Alleged Terror Links

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, retired, has filed a N1 billion defamation lawsuit against fellow retired officer, Maj. Gen. Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi, at the Kaduna State High Court over allegations linking him to terrorism.

Filed on January 8, 2026, at the Kaduna Judicial Division, the suit claims Ali-Keffi made and circulated false statements suggesting that Buratai was involved in terrorism financing, had ties to Boko Haram suspects, and participated in the alleged illegal release or 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, published on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, Instagram, and other online platforms, were widely circulated nationally and internationally, causing serious harm to his reputation.

According to the court documents, Buratai denied all allegations, stressing that he has never been investigated, indicted, or convicted for terrorism or related offences. The claims, he said, falsely portray him as corrupt, unpatriotic, and complicit in acts against Nigeria’s national security.

The former army chief is seeking a court order compelling Ali-Keffi to retract the statements and issue a public apology on the same platforms where the claims appeared, including Sahara Reporters and at least two national newspapers.

Buratai is also seeking N1 billion in general damages, a perpetual injunction preventing further publication of the statements, and full coverage of legal costs. The writ directs Ali-Keffi to enter an appearance within 21 days of service, with the court allowed to proceed in his absence if he fails to respond.

As of the filing of the suit, no hearing date had been set, and Ali-Keffi had yet to file a response.