Mining Marshals Chief Files ₦20 Billion Defamation Case Against Lawyer and Journalist

The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, has brought forth a ₦20 billion defamation lawsuit against Terver Douglas Najime, a legal practitioner, and Abel Augustine, a journalist working with SignalNG.com, due to claims of extortion and misuse of office.

The lawsuit was lodged at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, by Onoja's attorney, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, in response to what the claimant termed as a defamatory petition purportedly filed with the Department of State Services (DSS) and circulated online.

The document accused Onoja of soliciting ₦50 million from Mundasa Global Company Limited to facilitate the release of its employees who had been detained at an unlawful mining site.

The incidents allegedly unfolded on December 27, 2025, at Kebi Mangoro within Kuje Area Council of the FCT, following credible intelligence regarding illicit mining activities in the vicinity.

Individuals arrested during the operation were identified as Muhammed Aliyu, 39; Abdulrahman Hashimu, 32; Tahir Muhammed, 43; Awaje Abduljalal, 19; and Kabiru Adamu, 38.

Reports from within the Mining Marshals indicate that while investigations were progressing, intelligence suggested that the main suspect, along with accomplices who are currently at large, attempted to compromise the legitimate mineral title holder involved to obstruct the investigation.

After unsuccessful attempts to drop the charges, it was reported that the parties engaged in a smear campaign via the disputed publication.

The allegations, which gained widespread attention across various online platforms, painted Onoja as someone engaged in extortion and criminal intimidation, a narrative his legal team firmly disputes as false and detrimental to his standing.

Upon inquiry by Onoja, the DSS allegedly confirmed that no such petition had been filed with them, a revelation the claimant viewed as an indication of malicious intent and misinformation.

As a result, Onoja has sought ₦20 billion in damages and other remedies, arguing that the publication severely harmed his reputation without any lawful grounds.

Sources indicate that the legal documents have been duly served to Najime, while efforts are ongoing to notify Augustine through alternative methods.

Furthermore, Onoja has suggested that Mundasa Global Company Limited might later be included as a party to the lawsuit once the defendants respond.

The development has sparked considerable discourse within the mining community, prompting calls for accountability and caution against the dissemination of unverified claims that could jeopardize law enforcement's efforts against illegal mining.

Adedipe expressed trust in the judicial process, asserting that his client will not yield to intimidation.

"Mr. Onoja will not succumb to intimidation or blackmail to withdraw legitimate cases against those involved in illegal mining activities," the senior advocate stated.