Igbo leader drags Hassan Ayariga to court over defamation

The Paramount Leader of the Igbo Community in Ghana, Eze Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, has filed a defamation suit against the founder of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, at the High Court in Accra.

The writ was filed on October 1, 2025.

The case arises from remarks Mr. Ayariga allegedly made on July 19, 2025, during an interview on the Frontline Show on My CTV GH, which later circulated on social media.

According to the court documents, Mr. Ayariga is accused of describing Eze Ihenetu as a “scammer” and a “big problem” for some Nigerians in Ghana. He is further alleged to have claimed that the Igbo leader was involved in “money laundering and hijacking funds,” operated “a human trafficking and prostitution network, claiming most Nigerian women in Ghana were under his control,” and was “destroying Ghana” and needed to “leave the country.”

Eze Ihenetu, who has lived in Ghana for more than 30 years and operates businesses in both Ghana and Nigeria, maintains that the statements are false, malicious, and damaging to his reputation. He insists the allegations have subjected him to public ridicule, death threats, and financial losses.

He is seeking a declaration that the statements were defamatory, an order for Mr. Ayariga to retract and apologise through the same media outlets, GH¢50 million in general damages, and USD 5.6 million in special damages for the cancellation of two contracts — a poultry farm and a funeral home project. He is also asking for a perpetual injunction restraining Mr. Ayariga from making similar claims.

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The Igbo leader is being represented by Muniru M. Kassim of Obour, Minta & Co. Solicitors. The court has directed Mr. Ayariga to enter an appearance within eight days of being served with the writ.