By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
President Bola Tinubu’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to politician and leader of the Northern Star group, Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad, demanding a public apology and retraction over alleged defamatory comments made in a viral TikTok video.
In the video, Hajia Naja’atu purportedly accused Ribadu of hypocrisy, claiming he criticized Tinubu during his tenure as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but now serves in his administration. She further alleged that Ribadu had previously named Tinubu and two other former governors as the most corrupt in Nigeria.
In a letter dated February 4, 2025, Ribadu, through his legal counsel Dr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, refuted the allegations, stating he had never made such comments either publicly or privately. The letter described the video as “malicious,” noting that it caused “unquantifiable damage” to Ribadu’s reputation.
The letter reads in part:
“Clearly, in your recording, you stated that when our client served as EFCC Chairman, he allegedly named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside Senators George Akume and Orji Uzor Kalu, as the governors who stole the most from the public treasury.”
“You also implied that our client’s current role in Tinubu’s administration shows he either lied in the past or is now being deceitful.”
Ribadu challenged Hajia Naja’atu to provide evidence for her claims, accusing her of inciting public distrust and attempting to tarnish his reputation. The NSA’s lawyer further warned that failure to retract the statement and publish an apology in five national newspapers within seven days would lead to legal action.
“Your intention to bring our client to public ridicule and scorn is evident from your decision to spread these false allegations on social media, causing them to go viral,” the letter stated.
Naja’atu Defiant: “I Stand by My Words”
In response to Ribadu’s ultimatum, Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad remained defiant, insisting she would not retract her statements. Speaking in an interview with Premier Radio, Kano, on Tuesday night, she asserted that Ribadu’s past remarks about Tinubu were already in the public domain.
“If NSA Nuhu Ribadu feels he can take legal action as he claimed, he can take me up to the Supreme Court,”* Naja’atu declared, adding, *”His statement labeling President Tinubu as the most corrupt governor during his EFCC days is available for everyone to access on social media and YouTube.”
Naja’atu affirmed her readiness to defend her claims in court, emphasizing that she stood by every word she said.
As the standoff intensifies, all eyes are on whether Ribadu will proceed with legal action or if further political interventions will diffuse the tension.
