The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has initiated a major legal action against former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, over what he described as defamatory and prejudicial publications against himself, IPOB, and the Igbo ethnic group (#Ndigbo).
This was disclosed by Kanu’s special counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday.
According to Ejimakor, the legal action is aimed at compelling Omokri to issue a retraction, publish a formal apology, and pay damages for allegedly spreading false and damaging narratives about Kanu and IPOB.
“Yesterday, MAZI NNAMDI KANU commenced a muscular legal action against RENO OMOKRI (@renoomokri), seeking a retraction, apology & damages for Omokri’s highly defamatory & prejudicial publications against Mazi Kanu, IPOB & #Ndigbo. Others like Omokri should take note & be guided,” Ejimakor tweeted.
Details of the Lawsuit
According to court documents attached to the post, the lawsuit was filed at the High Court of Abia State. The suit commands Reno Omokri to appear in court within 42 days or risk a default judgment being entered against him.
The claim outlines multiple counts of defamatory statements allegedly made by Omokri via his verified social media account and in national newspapers.
One of the central accusations stems from a July 8, 2023 post, in which Omokri allegedly attributed responsibility for the killing of five soldiers in Aba, Abia State, to Kanu and IPOB.
The legal filing argues that:
The statements were “technically incorrect and malicious.”
They amount to “prejudicial commentary on pending judicial proceedings.”
They have “exposed the Plaintiff to hatred, contempt, and ridicule.”
They falsely accuse Kanu and IPOB of terrorism without lawful justification.
The plaintiff, through his legal team, is seeking:
- A public retraction of the allegedly defamatory statements.
- A formal apology published in two national dailies.
- Monetary damages for reputational harm.
- An injunction restraining Omokri from making further such publications.
- Court costs and interest at 10% per annum on any monetary award.
As of the time of this report, Reno Omokri has not issued any public response to the legal action.
