Prosper Okoye
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has struck out a ₦100.5 billion defamation suit brought by the Nasarawa State Government and Governor Abdullahi Sule against Professor Zacharys Anger Gundu, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mkar. The ruling was delivered by Justice Hamza Muazu.
The case arose from comments Professor Gundu allegedly made during a television programme, in which he accused Governor Sule of providing refuge to bandits and mismanaging security in parts of the state. The government described the remarks as defamatory.
Professor Gundu’s legal team, led by Aondo Jerry SAN, argued in a preliminary objection that a government cannot sue for defamation using public funds, as such suits are personal and can only be brought by individuals.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSpeaking 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 action can only be pursued in a personal capacity. Consequently, the case has been struck out.”
The ruling followed arguments by Professor Sebastine Hon SAN during the previous hearing, emphasising that public funds cannot be used to pursue personal legal grievances.
Professor Tor Iorapuu, former Vice-Chancellor of Moses Ushua Dasui University, Makurdi, welcomed the decision, describing it as 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.”
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Comrade Tar Ukoh, a cultural activist and self-described “War Commander of the Tiv nation,” also praised the judgment, urging governors not to use public resources to harass citizens and warning against continued attacks on communities in Benue and Nasarawa states.
The Nasarawa State Government had demanded ₦100.5 billion in damages, claiming Professor Gundu’s remarks defamed the governor’s character. Following the ruling, the government’s legal team declined to comment but indicated it might amend the charges and reinstitute the case.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
