Kaduna North House of Representatives member, Bello El-Rufai, son of the former Kaduna State Governor, has taken legal action against an X (formerly Twitter) user, Sabina Nkiru, over allegations of criminal defamation, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
The lawsuit stems from a controversial post made by Nkiru on the microblogging platform, accusing Bello El-Rufai of being a “corrupt Nigerian who steals money for personal gain and dry peddling,” among other damaging claims.
In a formal petition addressed to the Commissioner of Police in Enugu, Bello El-Rufai’s legal counsel highlighted the defamatory nature of the post, stating that it poses a significant risk to the plaintiff’s reputation and personal safety. The post, according to the petition, exposes the lawmaker to public hatred, intimidation, and imminent threats to his life, violating existing laws.
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Bello El-Rufai has categorically denied all allegations, describing them as baseless and malicious. He emphasized his long-standing commitment to public service and integrity, declaring that such accusations are aimed at tarnishing his hard-earned reputation.
“I have served the public most of my adult life as an upright citizen,” Bello El-Rufai stated, calling on the police to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring those responsible for the defamatory post to justice.
This case has sparked widespread debate on the ethical boundaries of online discourse and the growing prevalence of cyber defamation in Nigeria. As legal proceedings unfold, many will be watching to see how the courts address the intersection of free speech and accountability in the digital space.
The controversy has ignited conversations across social media, with hashtags like #BelloElRufai and #Defamation trending as Nigerians share their opinions on the matter.
