Hajia Halima Shehu, former National Coordinator of the Nigerian Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), has threatened to sue popular blogger Tunde Ednut over an alleged defamatory publication.
Shehu, through her legal counsel, Dr. Abdul Mahmud, issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding a retraction, a public apology, and compensation for the alleged damage to her reputation. The warning was contained in a letter addressed to Ednut and co-signed by lawyers Seun Awolade and Ojonugwa Ogwuche.
According to the letter, Ednut had on August 16 published on his Instagram handle, @mazitundeednut, a post accusing Shehu of fraudulently transferring $44 million in government funds into her personal accounts while serving as NSIPA boss. The publication also claimed that Shehu admitted to the transfer when questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The lawyers, however, described the post as “false, malicious, and grossly defamatory,” stressing that no anti-corruption agency, including the EFCC, nor any court of competent jurisdiction, had ever indicted, tried, or convicted Shehu of financial misconduct.
“This publication was deliberately calculated to damage our client’s reputation, unjustly expose her to hatred, contempt, and ridicule. It falsely portrayed her as a dishonest public official who misappropriated public funds,” the letter stated.
Mahmud described his client as a respected public servant with decades of service in public administration, financial management, and poverty alleviation. He noted that Shehu has consistently demonstrated integrity and dedication to the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians.
The legal team demanded that Ednut:
- Retract the publication in the same medium it was made.
- Publish a written apology acknowledging the falsity of the allegations.
- Provide a formal undertaking to desist from sharing defamatory content.
- Indemnify Shehu for all damages, expenses, and costs incurred in defending her reputation.
The letter warned that failure to comply within seven days would result in immediate legal action.
“We have our client’s firm instructions to proceed against you in a court of competent jurisdiction for defamation. We shall seek substantial damages, injunctive reliefs, interest, and costs, without further recourse to you,” Mahmud cautioned.