Lekan Fatodu files N100m suit against Sowore

Lekan Fatodu, journalist and public relations consultant, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Sowore Omoyele, publisher of Sahara Reporters.

Fatodu is claiming N100 million in damages in the lawsuit filed at an Ikeja high court.

Defendants named in the suit include Sowore Omoyele, Sahara Reporters Media Foundation and the online publication Sahara Reporters.

He accused the online medium of causing “serious damage” to his reputation through a publication linking him to the controversial arms deal involving Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser.

Fatodu said Sahara Reporters had reported that he and his company — Leeman Communications Ltd — were used by Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister, to launder N1.7 billion which was part of the arms funds.

“I am committed to following this matter to a favourable conclusion and getting justice which will be used as a strong warning to vicious blackmailers who parade themselves as online publishers and journalists,” he said after filing the lawsuit.

“My case against Sowore and Sahara Reporters is peculiar because I am an ordinary citizen; not the usual public official who can easily be blackmailed into silence.”

He said he also intends to take the case to the US where the medium has an operational branch.

When contacted, Sowore told TheCable that he had not seen the lawsuit.

“I am yet to see the lawsuit but I welcome all transparent legal challenge that could help shed light on our work,” he said in response to a mail.