The FCT High Court has set July 3, 2025, for hearing of a defamation lawsuit filed by former World Boxing Federation (WBF) Cruiserweight Champion, Bash Ali, against Sunday Dare, the former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, who currently serves as a special adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on public communications and orientation. The case, registered under file number FCT/HC/CV/6411/2023, involves allegations of extortion and defamation of character.
Also joined in the case brought before the court by the iconic boxer, through his counsel, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, are: Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development (now National Sports Commission), and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Bash Ali accused the former youth and sports minister Sunday Dare of extortion and defamation, claiming that these actions have resulted in significant financial losses and adversely affected his earning capacity. The boxing champion is seeking a staggering N500 billion in damages as compensation for the alleged harm to his reputation and career.
Harry Agina, communication and publicity director of Bash Ali Guinness World Records Boxing Project, in a press statement, said the hearing on the matter has been fixed for Thursday, July 3, 2025, before FCT High Court 4, sitting in Maitama, Abuja.
Recalls that Bash Ali, had in a series of open letters written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu , accused the federal government through the office of the Chief of Staff to the President got an advance payment of $12 million for his Guinness World Records Boxing Project.
The Thursday’s court hearing is expected to shed light on the serious allegations made by Ali, drawing attention to the broader issues of defamation and the treatment of athletes in Nigeria.
As the date approaches, all parties involved will prepare for what is anticipated to be a high-profile legal battle in the realm of sports and public figures.
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