Sahara Reporters To Pay N10bn For Defamatory Publication Against Buratai

Sahara Reporters is to pay N10bn for defamatory publication against Buratai.

Glamtush reports that online newspaper, Sahara Reporters is set to pay N10bn for defamatory publication against former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retired) who has filed a suit against the online newspaper over a report linking him to a N1.85 billion recovered loot.

Tjis online platform understands that in the suit with number FCT/HC/CV/252/2022 filed by his lawyer, Dr. Reuben Atabo (SAN), Buratai asked the FCT High Court to declare the Sahara Reporters’ publication captioned, “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” of June 23, 2022, as pure defamation of character.

The ex-COAS wants the court to award him the sum of N10 billion in general and aggravated damages over the use of libellous words in the publication of the online platform.

He further demanded an order of the court compelling the newspaper to publish a retraction and an apology in two national dailies and its online platform “where the defamatory publication was made.”

Buratai, who was appointed Nigeria’s ambassador to the Benin Republic after he retired from the army, averred that the publication damaged his reputation after he diligently served Nigeria in various capacities and was awarded various meritorious honours f distinguished service.

No date has been fixed for the hearing.