SPORTS minister Sunday Dare has initiated a law suit against Nigerian boxer Bash Ali over alleged defamation of character.
Ali made a video over the weekend in which he made grave allegations against the minister, including misappropriation of funds, and Dare has decided to clear his name by going to court.
“The attention of the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development – Mr. Sunday Dare – has been drawn to a video circulating online in which controversial boxer, Bash Ali made defamatory, false and unsubstantiated allegations against his person,” a statement signed by Dare’s Special Assistant Toyin Ibitoye reads.
“This recent video is irrespective and in disregard of a pending libel suit initiated by the Minister claiming damages to the sum of 5billion Naira against Bash Ali for defamatory allegations made in the past.
“Apart from aggravating the previous defamatory acts, in the present video, Bash Ali has threatened violence and disruptive acts against a functional unit of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”The minister has called on security forces to act before Ali carries out his alleged threats.
“As a responsible public office holder, the Honourable Minister will not sit back and allow the threats materialize,” the statement adds.
“If Bash Ali could have the effrontery to make and publicize a video where he not only made allegations against the person of the Hon. Minister, but also threatened to halt the operations of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, then, it is compelling that the security agencies are put on alert so as to avoid a future situation of regret where things are taken for granted.
“On a personal note, the Hon. Minister will continue to diligently press his libel claims against Bash Ali and will also seek further remedies that the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria avail him. To this end, he has briefed Bode Olanipekun, SAN of the law firm of Wole Olanipekun & Co to continue with the prosecution of the case.
“This statement has become necessary so as inform discerning members of the public to disregard these latest antics which are in continuation of a pattern from Bash Ali against two past Ministers of Youth and Sports Development and the current one. We also alert media outlets about the risks and consequences of disseminating such false and malicious stories.”
Cruiserweight boxer Bash Ali, who is in his 60s, has been trying for at least 15 years to get the Nigerian government involved in the sponsorship of what he claims would be a historic world title fight where he would attempt to be the oldest champion ever.
