The Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’ikamatissunnah (JIBWIS) of Nigeria has announced plans to take legal action against investigative journalist Dan Bello, accusing him of defaming its leader, Sheikh Dr. Abdullahi Bala Lau, and the organization as a whole.
In a statement published on its official Facebook page, JIBWIS denied allegations made by Bello, who claimed that the organization received funds from the Federal Government to build classrooms but failed to execute the projects.
According to JIBWIS, the projects in question were actually constituency initiatives spearheaded by Hon. Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, a member of the Federal Assembly.
The organization also rejected claims that Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau employs thirty accountants and owns an office in Lau town, Taraba State, labeling these allegations as “complete lies.”; JIBWIS challenged Dan Bello to provide evidence to substantiate his claims.
Expressing disappointment over the accusations, JIBWIS accused Bello of spreading falsehoods and relying on unverified information. It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Islamic values and education in Nigeria and vowed that it would not be swayed by attempts to tarnish its reputation.
JIBWIS has now vowed to take the matter to court, where it expects Bello to present proof of his allegations. The case is expected to spark widespread discussion in Nigeria, where debates over free speech, media freedom, and defamation laws remain contentious.
As legal proceedings unfold, the case will be closely watched for its implications on press freedom, transparency, and accountability in the country.
