TY Danjuma Files ₦1bn Defamation Suit Against Pastor Paul Rika

Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma (retd.), has filed a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit against Pastor Paul Rika of the Holiness Revival Ministry Worldwide.

The legal action stems from allegations made by Pastor Rika in his book titled “God’s Message To Kuteb Tribe And Indigenes Of Taraba State.”

Danjuma’s lawyer, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), has demanded a retraction of the defamatory statements within seven days. In a letter dated September 27, Danjuma disclosed that he learned about the book from mentees who had purchased and read it.

EDITOR’S PICKS

• Health, Planning Ministries Partner with AfDB on Sustainable System Project
• Shamim Ahmed: Student Ally of Bangladesh’s Ex-Prime Minister Loses Life
• Match Words With Actions -Lawyers Urge New CJN, Kekere-Ekun

He expressed shock at the content, which he claims severely damaged his reputation and jeopardized his national and international business dealings.

The letter states: “Our client’s attention was drawn to a book titled “God’s Message to Kuteb Tribe and Indigenes of Taraba State”, written by Pastor Paul Rika and published by HOREMOW Printing Press. Our client was dismayed to discover numerous defamatory allegations against him in the book, particularly on pages 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and several others.”

According to the legal memorandum, Danjuma asserts that the book portrays him as “wicked, mischievous, evil, and anti-democratic,” causing him significant distress and embarrassment. The defamatory statements, Danjuma claims, have prompted numerous calls from individuals both within and outside Nigeria, expressing concern and disappointment over the allegations.

FURTHER READING

• BREAKING: FG Begins New Minimum Wage Payments For Workers
• Mallorca Fan Sentenced To Prison For Racist Abuse Of Vinicius Junior, Chukwueze
• Benin Republic Arrests 3 Men Suspected Of Coup Plot

As an octogenarian respected for his humanitarian work, Danjuma emphasized that the publication has deeply affected him, undermining his decades-long reputation. His legal team is seeking several remedies, including an apology, the retraction of the defamatory statements in a second edition of the book within 90 days, and general damages amounting to ₦1 billion.

Danjuma also demands that Pastor Rika issue a written commitment to retract the libelous claims in the next edition of the book. If these demands are not met within seven days, legal proceedings will commence.

Click here to watch our video of the week: