Auto-Dealer Aliyu Muhammad Threatens N2 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Over Allegations on Social Media
In a dramatic escalation of a social media dispute, Aliyu Muhammad, a prominent Nigerian auto-dealer popularly known as Sarkin Mota, has issued a stern warning of a N2 billion lawsuit against an individual who posted defamatory claims about his business on the platform X. The controversy centers on a tweet by Femi Obanlekoko, using the handle femzydr1, which alleged that Muhammad was arrested by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) for illegal activities.
Details of the Allegations and Response
On April 1, 2026, Obanlekoko tweeted that Aliyu Muhammad had been invited by the Nigerian Customs for questioning over accusations of importing accidental cars from the United States into Nigeria illegally. The tweet further claimed that the Customs had received multiple reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), with complaints from customers about issues such as tampered chassis numbers, faulty airbags, and electrical sensor problems. According to the post, this suggested that Muhammad was importing damaged vehicles at low prices, performing substandard repairs, and selling them at high prices to unsuspecting Nigerians.
In response, Muhammad vehemently denied the allegations, describing the tweet as false, damaging, and completely unacceptable. He issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Obanlekoko to publicly retract the statement and apologize across the same platforms where it was made. "I have spent years building my brand, my reputation, and my name with integrity and hard work," Muhammad stated. "I will not stand by and allow it to be tarnished by reckless and defamatory claims." He warned that failure to comply would result in immediate legal action for criminal defamation, seeking N2 billion in damages, emphasizing that this was a commitment to protect his livelihood.
Apology and Further Escalation
Following the ultimatum, Obanlekoko issued an apology but refused to delete the original tweet, leading to further confrontation. Muhammad responded with a stronger warning, dismissing the apology as insufficient. "You thought it was just 'April Fool,' but you played with the wrong name," he said. "You sat down, typed a whole lie about my brand, my business, and my reputation, something I've spent years building and now you think a simple apology wipes it off? It doesn't work like that."
He underscored the real-life consequences of social media posts, accusing Obanlekoko of jeopardizing his credibility, customer trust, and brand for online engagement. "I'm not letting this slide. Not today, not tomorrow," Muhammad declared. "I will pursue every legal option available, and I'll make sure this one tweet costs you more than you ever imagined. If accountability feels heavy, get ready, because I'm about to put you in generational debt. Wherever you are, prepare yourself. This is just the beginning."
Broader Implications and Legal Context
This case highlights the growing tension between social media freedom and defamation laws in Nigeria, where online statements can lead to significant legal repercussions. As businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms for reputation management, incidents like this serve as a cautionary tale about the potential costs of spreading unverified information. The threat of a N2 billion lawsuit underscores the serious financial and reputational risks involved, potentially setting a precedent for how defamation claims are handled in the digital age.
