Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, has sent a formal notice to 247 U Reporters demanding a retraction and public apology for a recent publication he claims is defamatory.
Kwankwaso’s legal team, H.M. Muhammad & Co., sent the notice accusing 247 U Reporters of publishing false information aimed at damaging Kwankwaso’s reputation and that of the Kano State government.
The publication falsely alleged that Kwankwaso was awarded contracts by the Kano State government on two occasions but failed to meet the terms.
It also suggested a violent confrontation between Kwankwaso, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kano State, and the governor himself.
The legal notice states: “We wish to formally announce that we represent Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, henceforth referred to as our client. Pursuant to our client’s explicit instructions, we have reached out to your office regarding a recent publication that has caused significant damage to our client’s and the Kano state government’s reputation.”
The notice continues: “These allegations are entirely untrue and have no basis in fact. This serves as a formal cease and desist notice, demanding the immediate retraction of the aforementioned post.”
Kwankwaso is asking for an unreserved public apology to be published in two national daily newspapers and the payment of punitive damages within 48 hours of receiving the notice.
The notice warns: “Please be advised that such defamatory statements are actionable under the Penal Code. Should you fail to comply with these demands, our client has unequivocally instructed us to pursue all available legal remedies against your office. We urge you to act promptly to mitigate the repercussions of this matter.”
