Abuja Court Strikes out ₦100.5bn Nasarawa Defamation Suit
Last update: February 20, 2026
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The ruling follows arguments made by Professor Sebastine Hon (SAN) during the last adjourned hearing, which emphasised that public funds cannot be used to pursue personal legal grievances.
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Hamza Muazu, has struck out a ₦100.5 billion defamation case brought by the Nasarawa State Government and Governor Abdullahi Sule against Professor Zacharys Anger Gundu, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mkar.
CBI News reports that the suit arose from comments Professor Gundu allegedly made during a television programme, in which he accused the governor of providing refuge to bandits and mismanaging security in parts of the state.
The government had described the remarks as defamatory.
Professor Gundu’s legal team, led by Aondo Jerry SAN, filed a preliminary objection arguing that a government cannot sue for defamation using public funds, as such actions are personal and can only be brought by individuals.
Speaking after the ruling, Aondo Jerry said: "The court’s decision was explicit, logical, and consistent with established legal principles.
The government cannot use taxpayers’ money to bring a defamation suit, such an action can only be brought in a personal capacity, consequently, the case has been struck out."
Professor Tor Iorapuu, former Vice-Chancellor of Fr. Adasu University, Makurdi, welcomed the decision, saying it was a reminder for leaders to reflect on their responsibilities.
"The ruling encourages us to pursue unity rather than division. It asks those in positions of authority to consider whether they are truly serving the people or misleading them."
Comrade Tar Ukoh, a cultural activist and self-described “War Commander of the Tiv nation,” also reacted to the judgment. He urged governors not to use public resources to harass citizens and warned against continued attacks on communities in Benue and Nasarawa states.
The Nasarawa State Government had filed the suit demanding ₦100.5 billion in damages, claiming Professor Gundu’s remarks defamed the governor’s character following the court ruling, the government’s legal team declined to comment but indicated that they might amend the charges and reinstitute the case.
