Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje has re-filed his defamation suit against Ja’afar Ja’afar and Penlight Media limited, publishers of Daily Nigerian newspaper at the Federal High Court, Abuja,

A copy of writ of summon of the case seem by Timeline.ng revealed that the court gave Mr Jaafar 14 days to cause an appearance to be made for his defence.

The Summon reads: “You are hereby commanded that within fourteen days after service of this writ on you, inclusive of the day of such service, you do cause an appearance to be entered for you in action at the suit of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje AND TAKE NOTICE, in default the claimant may proceed and judgement may be given in your absence.

“Take further notice parties should maintain status quo.

“Dated this day 15th day of July, 2021.

”By order of court.”

Events preceding the new suit

It would be recalled that Gov. Ganduje sued Mr Ja’afar and Daily Nigerian newspaper for publishing video clips ostensibly showing the governor receiving kickback from a contractor.

The Governor alleged that the publication of the video defamed his character and through his counsel, demanded N3 billion from Mr Ja'afar as damages.

He, however, filed an application through his counsel, Offiong Offiong, on June 28, 2021 seeking to discontinue the court case.

The Kano State High Court while granting the request, ordered Gov. Ganduje to pay N800,000 to Mr Ja’afar as cost for expenses incurred in court proceedings.

He has now refiled the suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja.