Alleged Defamation: Malami Petitions IGP Over ‘Malicious’ Publications

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, over “malicious libel and criminal defamation” against him by a media platform (Sahara Reporters) owned by former presidential candidate, Omoleye Sowore.

The petition dated July 13, was signed by the AGF’s counsel, S.I. Ameh, SAN.

The AGF had earlier claimed that the publications (10,11,12 of July) by the media platform,
were false and was” with a view to disparage him in the eyes of right thinking persons, contrary to Nigerian Criminal and Penal Laws and a gross violation of his Right to Dignity of Human Person as
guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended).”

Sahara Reporters had on July 11, published a story with the heading : “New Multi-million Naira Property Built By Nigeria’s Attorney-General, Malami, For Son In Kebbi State Uncovered.”

But the AGF’s counsel further stated to the IGP, that Malami embodied the anti-corruption programme of the Buhari administration, and that the publication of the media platform has ” greatly injured” their client’s “personal character and reputation.”

The letter also accused the media platform of publishing “similar libelous article against our client and other well-meaning Nigerians in the past.”

“Sir…we hereby humbly request that you use your good office to investigate this petition and take necessary actions as conferred on you and your office by law,” the letter partly read.