- NSA Nuhu Ribadu demands a public apology from Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad for allegedly malicious claims made in a viral TikTok video
- Ribadu’s lawyer states that the accusations misrepresent his client’s views and challenge Muhammad to provide evidence for her allegations
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has demanded a public apology and retraction from Northern Star leader, Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad, over a TikTok video he claims is malicious.
In the video, Hajia Muhammad accused Ribadu of serving in President Bola Tinubu’s government despite previously criticizing him during his tenure as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Through his lawyer, Dr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, Ribadu stated that he has never expressed such a viewpoint, publicly or privately. He emphasized that the damage caused by the viral TikTok video is unquantifiable.
A letter dated February 4, 2025, and signed by Dr. Raji, stated:
“Clearly, in your recording, you alleged that when our client served as EFCC Chairman, he named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, along with Sen. George Akume and Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, as the governors who stole the most from public funds.
“You also claimed that our client, who once held such views, has now become a staunch defender of President Tinubu, particularly regarding what you described as an attempt to silence dissenting voices. You cited the alleged arrest of Prof. Usman Yusuf as an example.
“You further suggested that our client’s shift in stance either makes him a liar now or proves that he lied in the past when he allegedly made those statements about President Tinubu, Sen. Akume, and Sen. Kalu.
“Our client has never made such allegations against President Tinubu, Sen. Akume, or Sen. Kalu. He was shocked when he became aware of your false claims against him.
“In light of this, our client challenges you to provide evidence for your allegations, which paint him as deceitful in the eyes of the public.
“Your publication, disguised as a call for the North to resist perceived injustices, also incites violence against our client. Given the gravity of your claims, he will not stand by and allow his hard-earned reputation to be tarnished by your false allegations, which have now been widely circulated online.
“Your deliberate attempt to subject our client to public ridicule, scorn, and shame is evident by your decision to spread the false claims on social media, causing them to go viral.
“The harm caused by your actions is immeasurable. However, our client will consider the matter resolved if you retract your statements and issue an unreserved public apology in at least five national daily newspapers within seven days of receiving this letter. Otherwise, we have instructions to take legal action against you, seeking exemplary damages.”
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