Retired Lieutenant-General Faruk Yahaya, former Chief of Army Staff, has initiated legal action to defend his reputation after allegations were made linking him to individuals purportedly involved in terrorism financing. The development follows claims made by a retired major general during a broadcast interview that were subsequently amplified online by media outlets.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Brigadier-General Sani Usman (rtd), a former Army spokesperson, confirmed that Yahaya’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mohammed Ndayako, SAN, served formal demand notice son the retired army officer and the media organisations alleged to have disseminated the assertions. The notices — dated December 17, 2025 — instructed recipients to retract the allegations, issue unreserved public apologies and halt further dissemination within 72 hours, warning that failure to comply would lead to legal proceedings.
The notice argues that the claims are false and malicious, capable of undermining public trust in national institutions and those who have served the country with distinction. Yahaya’s legal action is being positioned not only to protect his personal honour but also to uphold the rule of law, professionalism and accountability, and to deter the spread of unverified allegations that could erode confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture.
Yahaya had earlier publicly denied the initial allegations, describing them as baseless, and his current legal pursuit underscores his commitment to clearing his name and maintaining professional integrity following a distinguished military career.
