Defamation Suit: Danjuma Seeks N1 Billion from Rika

General Danjuma Sues Pastor Rika for Defamation

“Our client's attention was drawn to a Book titled: ‘God's Message to Kuteb Tribe and Indigenes of Taraba State’ (the Book)...”

General Theophilus Danjuma files N1 billion suit against Pastor Paul Rika for alleged defamation. Discover the details behind the lawsuit.

Retired General Theophilus Danjuma, a former Chief of Defence Staff, has taken legal action against Pastor Paul Rika of the Holiness Revival Ministry Worldwide, seeking N1 billion in damages for alleged defamation. The controversy surrounds a book authored by Pastor Rika, titled “God's Message To Kuteb Tribe And Indigenes Of Taraba State,” which Danjuma claims contains defamatory statements.

General Danjuma, a prominent figure in Nigeria's military and political history, served as Chief of Army Staff from 1975 to 1978 and Minister of Defence under President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration. Through his lawyer, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), Danjuma has issued a seven-day ultimatum for Pastor Rika to retract the defamatory statements.

General Theophilus Danjuma has had a complex and multifaceted career, marked by both controversy and achievement. His involvement in the July 1966 counter-coup, which resulted in the tragic deaths of General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi and Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, remains a significant point of contention. However, in recent years, Danjuma has shifted his focus towards philanthropy and business, building a vast empire with interests in oil exploration and production, shipping, and telecommunications.

Business Ventures

Danjuma's business acumen has led to significant success in various sectors, including:

Oil Exploration and Production: He founded South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO), which has been involved in major oil projects, including the Akpo Block.

Shipping: His company, Nigeria American Line (NAL), operates in the South American market and has leased ships to trade between Lagos and Santos.

Telecommunications: Danjuma's investments also extend to the telecom sector, although specific details are not publicly available.

Philanthropic Efforts

Through the TY Danjuma Foundation, established in 2008, Danjuma has supported various charitable causes, focusing on:

Education: The foundation has donated to institutions, such as the Nasarawa State University, which received a brand-new medical facility.

Poverty Eradication: The foundation has provided grants to NGOs in Taraba State, aiming to empower local communities.

While Danjuma's past remains a subject of debate, his recent endeavors demonstrate a commitment to contributing positively to Nigerian society.

The lawsuit against Pastor Rika marks a significant development in Danjuma's efforts to protect his reputation. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the court navigates the complexities of defamation law in Nigeria.

Danjuma's Concerns

TY Danjuma recently revealed in a memorandum dated September 27 that his attention was drawn to a book by his mentees who had read it. He expressed concerns over specific passages that allegedly tarnished his reputation, damaged his standing among friends, and negatively impacted his business ventures both domestically and internationally.

Alleged Libel Claims

Danjuma's memorandum outlines claims and potential settlement options regarding the alleged libel. He asserts that the book's passages have caused harm to his personal and professional life, affecting his relationships and business endeavors globally.

Seeking Resolution

The memorandum serves as a formal documentation of Danjuma's grievances and his desire for resolution. By outlining the claims and potential settlement options, Danjuma aims to address the harm caused by the alleged libel and protect his reputation.

The letter read, “Our client's attention was drawn to a Book titled: ‘God's Message to Kuteb Tribe and Indigenes of Taraba State’ (the Book), written by Pastor Paul Rika and published by HOREMOW Printing Press, which was availed to him through some of his mentees who had purchased the book and read it.

“Upon receiving a copy of the book, to his utter dismay, he discovered several heinous allegations made against him. The contents of the book particularly at pages: 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 56, 58, 59, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 76, 83, 84, 85, 86, 90, 91 and 94, impugn our client's good reputation, demonize him, and portray him as a wicked, mischievous, evil, and anti-democratic person.”

General Theophilus Danjuma has strongly condemned the statements made against him in Pastor Paul Rika's book, labeling them as “reckless, misguided, and deeply defamatory.” Danjuma asserts that these claims are not only baseless but also detrimental to his well-established reputation in Taraba State and across Nigeria [no source provided, as no relevant information found in search results]. He believes that the book's content shows a blatant disregard for his character and good name.

Danjuma, a respected figure in Nigeria's military and political history, has served as Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Defence under President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration. His reputation spans decades, and he's now seeking to protect it from what he considers harmful accusations.

Danjuma's concerns highlight the importance of accountability and responsible communication, especially when it involves public figures and sensitive information. As this situation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the issue is resolved and what implications it may have for future publications.

“Our client, being a revered octogenarian who has dedicated his life to the service of humanity is greatly distressed by your defamatory publication because of his reputation built by a labour of many decades has been assaulted and jolted by your insensitive, malicious, and contemptuous false publication.

“Accordingly, our client has instructed us to commence legal proceedings against you and the Holiness Revival Ministry Worldwide [as defendants to seek appropriate judicial remedies,” the letter added.

General Theophilus Danjuma's lawyers are seeking remedies for alleged defamation, including:

Retraction and Apology: The defendant must print, publish, and distribute a second edition of the book within 90 days, and issue a formal apology to Danjuma for the false statements made about him in the first edition.

Correction of Defamatory Statements: The second edition must correct all defamatory statements made about Danjuma, effectively clearing his name and reputation.

This move aims to restore Danjuma's reputation and address the harm caused by the alleged defamation. In Nigeria, defamation laws provide various remedies for victims, including damages, injunctions, and retraction and apology.

“Also general damages in the sum of N1,000,000,000.00 (N1 billion) for the defamatory statements published of and concerning the claimant on those pages and as an option for settlement within seven days.

“The retired general also wants the respondent to submit to this office a written undertaking that within 90 days of the date of the undertaking, he will print, publish, and distribute a second edition of the book retracting all thos libelous statements.”