Mining Marshals Commander sues The Guardian for defamation, demands ₦2 billion in damages

The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, has filed a defamation lawsuit against The Guardian Newspaper, demanding a whopping ₦2 billion in exemplary damages over a publication he described as “false, malicious and unjustifiable.”

Filed through his legal counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, the suit seeks redress over an article published on The Guardian’s official website on June 23, 2025, titled “Community Alleges Involvement of Mining Marshals in Illegal Mining”. The plaintiff contends that the report defamed his character and called into question the integrity of the Mining Marshals, a newly established security outfit tasked with combating illegal mining in Nigeria.

According to court filings, Onoja is asking the court to grant an order of exemplary damages in the sum of ₦2,000,000,000 (Two Billion Naira) as compensation for the reputational damage caused by the publication, which he insists was “broadcast to the entire world without verification or balance.”

“The publication is not only a misrepresentation of facts but a direct assault on my character and the painstaking efforts of the Mining Marshals to cleanse Nigeria’s mineral sector,” Onoja said, adding that “there is a need to start bringing rogue journalism to account, so as to discourage the practice of publishing unverified hogwash to mislead the public and well-meaning Nigerians.”

The Mining Marshals Commander further stressed that all activities of the task force are “transparent, open to public scrutiny, and subject to the rule of law.” He questioned the rationale behind The Guardian’s decision to publish the allegations without contacting him or the agency for clarification.

“This kind of unprofessional journalism that fails to observe the fundamental principles of fairness, accuracy, and balance not only undermines public trust but poses a direct threat to ongoing national reforms,” he said.

Onoja emphasized that the Mining Marshals remain fully aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as implemented under the leadership of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development. He reiterated that the corps will not be deterred by “sponsored attacks or blackmail orchestrated by elements sympathetic to illegal mining networks.”

“The Mining Marshals will not be distracted. We are on a mission to sanitize Nigeria’s mining corridors and restore sanity to this strategic sector. No amount of smear campaigns will deter that resolve,” Onoja declared.

As of press time, The Guardian has not issued a formal response to the legal action. It is also unclear whether the newspaper intends to retract the story or defend its position in court.

The case is expected to test the limits of press freedom, ethical journalism, and accountability in Nigeria’s media space.