He has right to sue – Shehu Sani reacts as Dangote threatens businessman with N100bn lawsuit

Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani says like every other citizen, the President of Dangote Group, Dr Aliko Dangote has the right to initiate lawsuits against his defamers.

Sani was apparently reacting to a threat by Dangote to sue Kaduna businessman, Kailani Mohammed for N100 billion over an alleged libelous publication against him.

DAILY POST had reported that Dangote through his lawyer, issued a 7-day ultimatum to Mohammed to retract the libelous publication allegedly published by Trust TV on December 17.

Mohammed made the alleged libelous comment during an interview on TV while reacting to Dangote’s petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, against Dr Farouk Ahmed, former Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA.

But some social media users attacked Dangote, accusing him of violating the right to freedom of speech.

However, reacting to Dangote’s lawsuit threat, Shehu Sani, in a statement on his Facebook page said “every citizen has the right to sue another citizen for defamation”.

According to him, “Dangote too has the right. It’s very important that before you allege or malign someone you don’t like, you have to be armed with facts and evidence to prove your claims”.

“It’s sweet to post on  Social media but when directing your attack on someone, always be armed with facts. If you look at the way senior lawyers speak or post their messages on social media, you will see them being very calculated and surgical in their ways.

“When you are sued for defamation, lawyers will charge you millions for defence. Those who “liked” your post will never be in court with you nor contribute financially to get you out. A defamation case in court can last many years draining your resources and time”, he said.