The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a ₦20 billion libel suit against the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi. The lawsuit is over alleged defamatory and libelous statements made against him.
In a suit marked CV/267/2025, filed by his Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, on Tuesday and made available to newsmen in Abuja, Nnamdi Kanu is seeking a court order directing Adejobi to retract the statements. He demands the retraction be published through the same media platform in the form of another press statement.
Nnamdi Kanu Seeks Public Apology and Injunction Against Adejobi
The IPOB leader is also seeking a court order compelling the defendant to issue an unreserved letter of apology. This apology must be prominently displayed as a full-page publication in three national dailies. Additionally, Nnamdi Kanu demands a perpetual injunction restraining Adejobi from making further defamatory statements against him.
Furthermore, he is seeking an order directing the defendant to pay ₦20,000,000,000 in general and exemplary damages. He also requests the defendant to cover the costs associated with the lawsuit.
Prince Emmanuel Kanu Affirms Nnamdi Kanu’s Reputation
In a sworn affidavit, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the IPOB leader’s brother, emphasized that Nnamdi Kanu is the Director of Radio Biafra and the leader of IPOB, a non-violent self-determination movement registered in the United Kingdom. He stated that IPOB has tens of millions of peaceful followers worldwide, including in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja.
Prince Emmanuel Kanu revealed that, on January 25, 2025, he and others read a publication in Vanguard newspaper. The publication, allegedly quoting Adejobi, stated: “Imo: Police neutralise six IPOB/ESN terrorists, recover arms: Operatives of the Imo Police Command’s tactical unit have neutralised three notorious kingpins of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), an armed wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).”
Adejobi’s Statement Links Nnamdi Kanu to ESN Activities
Adejobi, in a statement made available to newsmen in Owerri, claimed that police operatives launched a coordinated attack on a terrorist hideout in a forest in Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State on January 24.
“Upon approach, the operatives, who came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists, demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle,” Adejobi stated.
He further claimed the operation resulted in the neutralization of six ESN members, including three kingpins: Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock, Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi, and Kingsley Sunday, all from Ogube, Ihube, Okigwe Local Government Area.
Weapons and Alleged Crimes Linked to ESN Members
The Force PRO stated that five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), communication gadgets, and eight operational motorcycles were recovered from the scene. He further alleged that investigations linked the group to high-profile crimes, including the Owerri Correctional Centre attack on April 5, 2021.
Adejobi also mentioned that the neutralized ESN members were allegedly involved in the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022. Other alleged criminal activities included multiple kidnappings, such as the abduction of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.
Nnamdi Kanu’s Counsel Condemns Defamatory Statements
Prince Emmanuel Kanu argued that the published statements falsely portrayed Nnamdi Kanu as a violent leader associated with terrorism. He claimed the publication wrongly depicted the IPOB leader as an irresponsible individual with no regard for human life. According to him, such misrepresentation could prejudice Nnamdi Kanu’s pending court cases regarding whether IPOB is a terrorist group.
“I have discussed these defamatory statements with my circle of friends, relatives, and acquaintances. They insist that unless this honourable court holds otherwise, the claimant shall forever remain guilty in the public eye due to the defendant’s assertions,” he stated.
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Public Perception and Damage to Nnamdi Kanu’s Reputation
Prince Emmanuel Kanu emphasized that the statements made by Adejobi questioned Nnamdi Kanu’s honesty, integrity, and reputation. He asserted that the allegations went beyond fair comment and were made in bad faith with malicious intent.
“These defamatory publications were read by millions, especially in Abuja and Nigeria, where the claimant has numerous admirers, followers, and pending legal cases concerning terrorism allegations,” he noted.
He further argued that the defamatory statements had caused Nnamdi Kanu significant personal and legal harm. He insisted that unless the court intervenes, Adejobi would continue to damage his brother’s reputation.
“The defamatory statements have subjected the claimant to scandal, contempt, public humiliation, and disgrace. He is therefore entitled to monetary damages, injunctive relief, and a public apology,” he added.
Prince Emmanuel Kanu concluded that unless the court restrains Adejobi, he will continue making defamatory and damaging statements. He stated that the defamatory publication had caused Nnamdi Kanu to suffer irreparable harm, affecting his public image and legal standing.
