Former lawmaker Senator Shehu Sani has stated that, like any other citizen, Dr. Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has the right to sue individuals who defame him.

Sani’s comments followed Dangote’s threat to take legal action against Kaduna businessman Kailani Mohammed for N100 billion over an alleged libelous publication aired on Trust TV on December 17.

The dispute arose after Mohammed allegedly made defamatory remarks during an interview, responding to Dangote’s petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Dr. Farouk Ahmed, former CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Some social media users criticized Dangote, claiming the lawsuit infringed on freedom of speech.

In his statement on Facebook, Shehu Sani emphasized that every citizen has the right to pursue defamation claims.

“Dangote too has the right. It’s very important that before you allege or malign someone you don’t like, you must have facts and evidence to back your claims,” he wrote.

Sani also warned that posting on social media without verification can have serious consequences:

“When you are sued for defamation, lawyers will charge you millions for defence. Those who ‘liked’ your post will not be in court with you nor contribute financially. A defamation case can last many years, draining both time and resources,” he added.