A lawsuit has been filed by retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, former Chief of Army Staff, against investigative news outlet SaharaReporters for revealing the recovery of billions of naira intended for purchasing arms and ammunition to fight Boko Haram in his Abuja home. The lawsuit, with reference number FCT/HC/CV/2520/22, was filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to SaharaReporters, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recovered the funds, including foreign currencies, from a house registered to Kabiru Sallau, a military contractor and Managing Director of K Salam Construction Company Nigeria Limited, who allegedly fronted for Buratai. Also seized were a G-Wagon, 2022 editions of BMW and Mercedes Benz cars, customized mobile phones, designer wristwatches, including three Rolexes, and property documents.
The cash is believed to be part of the billions of naira earmarked for the purchase of arms and ammunition by the Muhammadu Buhari-led government. In his writ of summons, Buratai is seeking, among other things, a declaration that the publication of SaharaReporters dated June 23, 2022, titled "EXCLUSIVE: Anti-graft Agency, ICPC Uncovers Billions in Cash Meant for Arms, Ammunition To Fight Boko Haram In Abuja Home Of Ex-Chief Of Army Staff, Buratai," defames his character. He also seeks an order mandating SaharaReporters to retract the publication with a public apology, an injunction restraining SaharaReporters from publishing or causing to be published defamatory words about him, and N10 billion in general and aggravated damages for libelous words falsely, maliciously, and recklessly published.
The case, which has SaharaReporters founder Omoyele Sowore as a defendant, has been adjourned to July 2, 2023, for the report of service.
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