A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has restrained Dr Abuduljalil Balewa from claiming to be a son of the late first Prime Minister of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
The Court specifically granted an Order of perpetual injunction against Dr. Abduljalil, restraining himself, agents or servants from referring to himself as the son, grandson or blood relation of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
The Court presided over by Justice Peter Kekemeke on Monday, January 16, 2023, ruled that Dr. Abduljalil should tender a public apology and retraction of all previous claims in the print and electronic media that he is the son or grandson of the Late Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa.
The Court’s ruling followed a suit instituted by three children of the Late Prime Minister, namely; Mukhtar, Saddik and Umar against Dr. Abduljalil before Justice Peter Kekemeke.
The plaintiffs aver that Dr. Abduljalil, who was parading himself as a son to Late Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was not their brother and not known to the family in every material particular.
In his judgment in the suit marked FCT/HC/CV/956/2015, Justice Kekemeke held that the plaintiffs proved their case beyond reasonable doubt.
The Court held that based on the evidence the claimants placed before it, they have proven their case and accordingly held that the defendant, Dr. Abduljalil did not prove his claims to the late Prime Minister’s paternity.
Justice Kekemeke held that; “There is no evidence presented to show that the Late Prime Minister was his father nor evidence of where he was born. No evidence to show that there was a marriage between his mother and the late premier.
“Is my view that the claimants have proved their case from the evidence placed before the court. In the circumstance, the case succeeds.
“Judgment is hereby entered in favour of the claimants against the defendant as follows:
“The defendant was never the son of the Late Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
“Order of perpetual injunction is placed on the defendant restraining himself, agents or servants from referring to himself as the son or grandson or blood relation of Sir Balewa.
The Court therefore imposed a fine of N250,000 against Abduljalil as cost for the claim.
