Businessman Daniel Kanu Defends Past Actions Under Sani Abacha
Daniel Kanu, a businessman and philanthropist based in Abuja, has expressed no regrets regarding his past activities during the regime of former military ruler Sani Abacha. Currently, he is addressing defamatory social media claims suggesting he experienced imprisonment related to financial crimes.
In a statement issued yesterday, Kanu clarified that his support for initiatives such as Vision 2010 during the Abacha era was motivated by the belief that these programs offered significant opportunities for youth empowerment and national progress.
Despite the allegations circulating online, Kanu firmly stated, “I have not apologized” for his past political involvement, asserting that such engagements should not be undermined by unfounded claims aimed at damaging his reputation.
The press release was prompted by a Facebook post from filmmaker Uguezu J. Uguezu, who characterized Kanu as a former political loyalist whose fortunes waned following the Abacha regime. Uguezu claimed that Kanu faced arrest, charges, and imprisonment due to financial crimes—a narrative that Kanu staunchly refuted.
Kanu described Uguezu’s allegations as “completely false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt” to tarnish his image. He emphasized that he has never faced arrest, trial, or conviction for any criminal offense in Nigeria or elsewhere, nor has he served any time in prison.
While recognizing that Ugezu may have intended to caution young Nigerians against political flattery, Kanu argued that such motivations do not excuse the spread of misinformation or the harm that comes with it. He deemed the use of his name in this context as “inappropriate” and “patently dishonest.”
In March 1998, Kanu organized what is often regarded as Nigeria’s largest political rally, mobilizing hundreds of thousands of young individuals in the Youths Take Abacha Movement (YEAA) to advocate for a transition to civilian rule. Despite critics dubbing him a military apologist, Kanu maintains that his actions were supportive of a youth-focused development agenda.
Kanu has taken legal action by filing a formal petition with the Inspector General of Police against Ugezu, accusing him of criminal defamation, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking. Authorities have acknowledged receipt of the petition and initiated an investigation. Kanu affirmed his readiness to pursue both civil and criminal actions against Ugezu and others involved in disseminating falsehoods, emphasizing that this case transcends personal grievances and addresses broader issues of misinformation on digital platforms.
Aside from the controversy surrounding his political past, Kanu highlighted his entrepreneurial endeavors and philanthropic work. He positions himself as an investor committed to youth empowerment, community development, and supporting vulnerable groups both within Nigeria and beyond.
In light of the ongoing allegations, Kanu urged the public to disregard such claims and called on bloggers and social media users to diligently verify information before sharing. He asserted, “The digital space must not become a breeding ground for reckless speech,” while reaffirming his determination to safeguard his name and legacy through appropriate legal channels.
