The Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’ikamatissunnah (JIBWIS) of Nigeria has announced plans to pursue legal action against investigative journalist Dan Bello, accusing him of defamation against its leader, Sheikh Dr. Abdullahi Bala Lau, and the organization itself.
In an official statement posted on its Facebook page, JIBWIS refuted allegations made by Bello, who claimed the group received federal funds for classroom construction projects but failed to execute them.
According to JIBWIS, the projects in question were actually constituency initiatives led by Hon. Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, a member of the Federal Assembly.
The organization also dismissed claims that Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau employs 30 accountants and owns an office in Lau town, Taraba State, calling these accusations “blatant falsehoods.” JIBWIS challenged Bello to present credible evidence to support his claims.
Expressing disappointment over the accusations, JIBWIS accused Bello of spreading misinformation and relying on unverified sources. It reaffirmed its dedication to Islamic education and values in Nigeria and insisted that it would not be deterred by attempts to damage its reputation.
JIBWIS has now vowed to take the legal route, where it expects Bello to substantiate his claims in court. The case is anticipated to ignite widespread debate in Nigeria, where discussions on freedom of speech, media responsibility, and defamation laws remain highly controversial.
As the legal proceedings progress, the case will be closely monitored for its impact on press freedom, transparency, and accountability in the country.