By [News Editor], Abuja – June 30, 2025
Nigerian boxing legend and Guinness World Records title hopeful, Bash Ali, OON, has filed a landmark lawsuit demanding N500 billion in damages against the former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Akin Dare, now serving as Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The lawsuit, which also lists the Ministry of Youth & Sports Development—now restructured as the National Sports Commission—and the Federal Government of Nigeria as co-defendants, is set for hearing on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the FCT High Court 4, Maitama, Abuja, by 9 a.m.
According to the charges, Mr. Sunday Dare is accused of extortion, defamation, and causing loss of wages for the veteran boxer. At the center of the case is what Bash Ali and his legal team describe as “years of institutional sabotage, false allegations, and intentional delays” that have crippled his much-publicized Guinness World Records Boxing Project—a bout that would have made him the oldest boxer to fight for a world title.
Speaking through his Communication and Publicity Director, Harry Agina, Bash Ali stated that “this is not just a personal fight; it’s a battle for justice, for Nigerian sports integrity, and for the dreams of countless athletes whose aspirations are buried under bureaucracy and personal interests.”
The lawsuit, filed under Case No: FCT/HC/CV/6411/2023, accuses the former minister of engaging in character assassination and orchestrating conditions that led to financial loss and reputational damage for the athlete. The N500 billion compensation sought includes lost earnings, damages for emotional distress, and reparations for the defamation suffered.
A Blow to Nigerian Sports Development
This court case shines a glaring spotlight on the broader systemic issues plaguing Nigerian sports administration. Once hailed as a potential unifier and global pride, Bash Ali’s Guinness World Record Project has turned into a saga of missed opportunities, unfulfilled promises, and bureaucratic red tape. Sports analysts argue that the legal tussle has further undermined the credibility of sports leadership in the country.
“The continuous delay and mishandling of this project reflect how Nigerian sports institutions fail to prioritize athletes’ welfare and legacy,” says sports analyst, Ayo Adetokunbo. “If a figure as iconic as Bash Ali can be dragged through this much frustration, what hope is there for the younger generation?”
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the courtroom drama, this lawsuit reveals a sport in distress. Allegations of corruption, lack of transparency, and inadequate support for athletes have long haunted the ministry. The transition from a full-fledged Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to a National Sports Commission has done little to assuage these concerns.
If Bash Ali’s claims are upheld in court, it could open the floodgates for more athletes to challenge historical injustices in Nigeria’s sports landscape. It may also prompt serious restructuring in how sports projects are approved, monitored, and funded.
Public Interest and Media Access
In an invitation extended to the public and media houses, Mr. Harry Agina confirmed that the case file number FCT/HC/CV/6411/2023 is available on request for interested parties and journalists. “The people deserve to know the truth. We’re fighting not just for a record-breaking bout, but for justice and accountability.”
The outcome of this hearing could set a precedent not only for sports governance but also for government accountability in athlete-project management and international representation.
Court Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Venue: FCT High Court, Court 4, Maitama, Abuja
Contact: Harry Agina – 08022806385
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