…Also Sues FG, National Sports Commission
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Renowned Nigerian boxing champion, Bash Ali (OON), has filed a N500 billion lawsuit against the former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Akin Dare, over alleged extortion and defamation of character.
In the suit marked FCT/HC/CV/6411/2023, filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, Bash Ali is seeking redress for what he describes as damage to his reputation and financial losses caused by the alleged actions of the ex-minister, who now serves as Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu.
Also joined in the suit are the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development—now restructured into the National Sports Commission.
The suit was filed through a 10-man legal team led by former Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu.
Details of the case were contained in a press statement released by Harry Agina, the Communications and Publicity Director of the Bash Ali Guinness World Records Boxing Project. The statement was personally delivered to this correspondent by the plaintiff.
According to Agina, the court has scheduled the hearing for Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., before Justice of FCT High Court 4, Maitama, Abuja.
Background to the Suit
Bash Ali had previously written multiple petitions to President Bola Tinubu, alleging that the Federal Government, through the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, had received an advance payment of $12 million related to the planned Guinness World Record Boxing Championship to be hosted in Nigeria.
In his statement, Ali also accused Mr. Sunday Dare and Barr. D.A. Muhammad of the National Sports Commission of extorting ₦13 million from him. Furthermore, he alleged that after the current Minister of State for Trade and Investment, John Enoh, failed in an attempt to extort another $1 million, the Federal Government stalled the hosting of the anticipated global boxing event in Nigeria.
According to Bash Ali, his refusal to cooperate with corrupt government officials is the main reason the project has faced persistent setbacks. He described the planned Guinness World Record Boxing Championship—set to be the first of its kind on African soil—as one of the most potentially lucrative events in pay-per-view history.
Full Statement Title and Summary
The statement was titled:
“Press Statement: Court Hearing on the Lawsuit by Bash Ali (OON) Versus Former Minister of Sports & Now Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Akin Dare; the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development (Now National Sports Commission); and the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
It further noted:
“The first defendant, Sunday Akin Dare, is charged with extortion, defamation of character, and loss of wages. Bash Ali (OON) is demanding ₦500 billion in damages.”
Hearing Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Venue: FCT High Court 4, Maitama, Abuja
For verification or attendance, the case number FCT/HC/CV/6411/2023 is available upon request.
Contact:
Harry Agina
Communications & Publicity Director
Bash Ali Guinness World Records Boxing Project
📞 0802 280 6385
