Former Defence Minister, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (Rtd.), has filed a N1 billion defamation lawsuit against Pastor Paul Rika, the leader of the Holiness Revival Ministry Worldwide (HOREMOW). The lawsuit stems from alleged defamatory statements made in Rika’s book titled God’s Message To Kuteb Tribe And Indigenes Of Taraba State.

Represented by his counsel, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), Danjuma gave the preacher a seven-day ultimatum to retract the statements in the book that he claims have damaged his reputation. In a memorandum dated September 27, 2024, Danjuma argued that the book, particularly 49 pages, contained statements that tarnished his character and hurt his standing both socially and in business, both nationally and internationally.

The letter from Danjuma's legal team noted: “We act as solicitors to General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (Rtd), on whose instructions we write.” It further highlighted Danjuma's status as an elder statesman who has served Nigeria in various high-ranking positions, including as Chief of Army Staff (1975-1979) and Minister of Defence (1999-2003).

Danjuma described the claims in the book as reckless and defamatory, asserting that they were entirely false and designed to incite public hostility and damage his long-established reputation in Taraba State and across Nigeria.