Lieutenant General (Dr) Faruk Yahaya (rtd) CFR NAM, Zaruman Sokoto, former Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, has taken decisive legal steps to clear his name and protect his reputation following the circulation of what he described as false and malicious allegations linking him to alleged terrorism financiers.
The allegations were reportedly made by Major General Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi (rtd) during an interview aired on Arise News and subsequently amplified by Sahara Reporters. General Yahaya has strongly denied the claims, describing them as defamatory, baseless and damaging to his personal integrity and years of service to the nation.
In a press statement signed by Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), acting through General Yahaya’s legal team led by Mohammed Ndayako, SAN, it was disclosed that formal demand notices have been served on Major General Ali-Keffi (rtd), as well as the management of Arise News and Sahara Reporters.
The demand notices, dated 17 December 2025, give the concerned parties seventy-two (72) hours from the date of receipt to retract the allegations, issue unreserved public apologies, and immediately cease any further publication or dissemination of the claims. The statement warned that failure to comply with these demands would leave General Yahaya with no option but to pursue legal action.
According to the statement, General Yahaya’s decision to seek legal redress is not only to defend his personal honour but also to discourage the reckless spread of unverified allegations capable of undermining public confidence in national institutions and individuals who have served Nigeria with distinction.
The former Army Chief reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law, accountability, professionalism and truth, stressing that he will not allow falsehoods driven by malice or personal grievances to go unchallenged.
