In a dramatic turn that brings an end to one of Nigeria’s most closely watched defamation cases, the Lagos State High Court on January 12, 2026, struck out the ₦1 billion libel suit instituted by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (retd.), against renowned cleric Pastor Paul Rika and Holiness Revival Ministry Worldwide (HOREMOW).
The matter, which had drawn national and international attention due to the stature of the parties involved, was discontinued by General Danjuma himself, with the court subsequently awarding costs against him and issuing a stern warning on the filing of frivolous actions.
How the Case Began
The legal battle originated in September 2024, following the publication of a prophetic Christian book authored by Pastor Paul Rika titled “God’s Message to Kuteb Tribe and Indigenes of Taraba State.” General Danjuma alleged that several passages in the book were defamatory, claiming they portrayed him as wicked, evil, anti-democratic, and morally corrupt.
Through his legal team led by Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, Danjuma demanded a public retraction, apology, and the payment of ₦1 billion in damages, arguing that the publication damaged his reputation, caused embarrassment, and negatively affected his national and international standing.
Pastor Rika and HOREMOW denied the allegations, insisting that the book was an inspired message from God to Danjuma, Kuteb tribe, and the indigenes of Taraba state (though Christendom are to benefit from the message) rooted in faith and conscience, not a malicious attack. The case was subsequently filed at the Lagos State High Court, Commercial Division, where it generated widespread debate around freedom of religious expression, defamation, and the limits of public criticism.
What Transpired in Court
At the hearing on Monday, January 12, 2026, before Hon. Justice J. O. Pedro, counsel to General Danjuma, Barr. Moses Agbede, surprised observers by filing a Notice of Discontinuance under Order 25, Rule 2 of the Lagos State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, formally withdrawing the suit.
Counsel to the defendants, Barr. Noel Ighota and Barr. George Agocha Ojeka, confirmed receipt of the notice and raised no objection to the withdrawal. However, they urged the court to award costs against the claimant, citing substantial expenses already incurred by the defendants, including travel, accommodation, and logistics. They requested costs of ₦10 million. Although such court case cost supersedes this highly.
In her ruling, Justice Pedro struck out the suit and awarded ₦250,000 in costs against General Danjuma in favour of Pastor Rika and HOREMOW.
More significantly, the judge openly cautioned the claimant and his legal team, warning that they must be careful not to file frivolous or unprepared cases against individuals in Nigerian courts in the future.
The Judge made this remarks to the Claimant’s Counsel plea for waiver of cost, noting that the Rules of the court provides for cost against the Claimant in favour of the Defendants for the expenses incurred as a result of the suit withdrawn/discontinued
