A Bauchi-based Hausa-language online newspaper, Jaridar Najeriya, has demanded ₦1 billion in damages from Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed over alleged defamatory remarks made against the publication.
The demand was conveyed in a letter dated April 21, 2026, issued by the law firm Muhammad Difa & Partners (Shettima Law Firm), acting on behalf of the media organisation.
In the letter, signed by a legal team led by Chief M.D. Abubakar, Esq., the newspaper accused Mr Mohammed of making libellous statements that allegedly damaged its reputation.
According to the lawyers, the controversy stemmed from an online comment in which the defendant reportedly described the publication as “imbeciles,” a term they argued was derogatory and injurious to the newspaper’s professional standing.
They maintained that the statement was intended to ridicule the organisation and undermine public confidence in its credibility.
“Our client has suffered reputational harm and public embarrassment as a result of the said publication,” the letter stated.
The legal team is demanding that Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed pay ₦1,000,000,000 in damages within seven days.
It warned that failure to comply would lead to further legal action, including civil proceedings and possible criminal complaints to law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution.
