#EndSARS: Joe Abah threatens to sue Twitter user who accused him of fake news

Joe Abah, a former director-general of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, has threatened to sue a Twitter user who accused him of spreading fake news during the #EndSARS protest.

On October 20, men in army uniform had stormed the Lekki toll gate in Lagos and opened fire on unarmed youth who had stationed there for 13 days to demand the disbandment of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS).

There have been conflicting reports on the actual casualties after the shooting which has continued to attract global condemnation.

This was followed by social unrest during which government and private properties were destroyed while police stations were burned.

A week after, a Twitter user, identified as Michael Akanji (@mickiebrownkie), published a list that included Abah among celebrities whom he claimed “incited carnage” in Lagos state by spreading fake news.

The post also called the attention of the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN), Hillary Clinton, US’ President Donald Trump, Ellen Sirleaf (former Liberian president), alongside the official pages of other prominent outfits.

On Saturday, Abah took to the microblogging platform to share court documents calling on his accuser to retract his claims.

The document stated that the accused would “seek both criminal and civil remedies” if an apology isn’t published via the same platform.

“Please note that our client hereby unequivocally denies the aforementioned allegation and puts you to the strictest proof of same,” the documents, which were signed by Abah’s solicitors, read in part.

“Our client states for the record that he has always been a God-fearing and highly responsible individual who has always acted with caution and respect for the law and rights of others.

“Our client, who is a trained lawyer and highly respected member of the society, and one who has served Nigeria in various capacities categorically states that he never shared any fake or false news which led to the carnage in Lagos.

“On the contrary, our client acted as a voice of reason and restraint as evidenced in all his public engagements, correspondences and publications.

“Consequent on your malicious and libelous attempt to defame our client’s character and character, our client hereby demands that within 24 hours of receipt of this letter, you withdraw the libelous statement made on the 27 of October, 2020, and you publish an unreserved apology to our client via his Twitter account @Dr.JoeAbah.”

Dear Mr @mickiebrownkie, please find below a letter from my lawyers @adedunmade & Co, giving you 24 hours to retract this defamatory publication as it affects me, and publicly apologise to me, or face criminal and/or civil action for defamation. https://t.co/6zJRg2A6Uo pic.twitter.com/b8X4rllzGG

— Dr Joe Abah, OON (@DrJoeAbah) October 31, 2020

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A perusal of the accuser’s profile shows that Akanji identifies as an entrepreneur, sound engineer, and a ‘Buharist’.

Among other prominent figures included in his list are entertainers like Falz, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Peter Okoye, Banky Wellington, Don Jazzy, Oxlade, Davido, Uche Jombo, and Laycon, all of whom identified with the protest.