By Joel Ajayi

An Abuja High Court has struck out a ₦500 billion suit filed by former world boxing champion Bash Ali against former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, and the Federal Government, over his proposed Guinness World Record boxing bout.

The judgment, delivered on Thursday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, by Honourable Justice U.P. Kekemeke, ruled that the case was frivolous, statute-barred, and amounted to a waste of judicial time. The court found no legal basis for Bash Ali’s claims, describing the action as an abuse of court process and driven by malice.

Justice Kekemeke upheld a preliminary objection filed by the legal team of the former Minister, led by Bode Olanipekun and Festus Keyamo Chambers, and subsequently dismissed the case in its entirety.

The court noted that Bash Ali and his legal team failed to submit critical documents on time, particularly those required to establish the Federal Government’s official involvement in the much-publicized fight.

Justice Kekemeke emphasized that the delay and procedural lapses in the filing process weakened the credibility of the case. Consequently, the court had no option but to dismiss the suit.

A Pattern of Unfounded Allegations: For over five years, Bash Ali had repeatedly accused Sunday Dare and other former sports ministers of sabotaging his Guinness World Record fight ambitions. He alleged extortion, official sabotage, and conspiracy involving $12 million and ₦13 million—claims the court found to be unsubstantiated.

Key facts revealed during the proceedings include: On the $12 million allegation: Mr. Dare was never involved in any meeting or transaction related to the purported sum. He was not in office at the time the alleged event took place and treated no related file during his tenure.

On the ₦13 million “extortion” claim: Court documents revealed that Bash Ali had previously won a ₦28 million judgment against former Minister Solomon Dalung for battery (Suit No. CA/A/893/2017).

Upon assuming office, Mr. Dare reviewed the file and oversaw an out-of-court settlement where all parties agreed to a ₦15 million payment—signed and executed on May 20, 2020, with receipts provided. Bash Ali’s claim of ₦13 million being extorted is, in fact, the difference between the original award and the negotiated settlement.

On halting the Guinness Fight: The Ministry, upon reviewing past records and guided by the stance of previous administrations—including a caution from former President Muhammadu Buhari—chose not to endorse or sponsor the bout. A letter dated January 7, 2020, titled “Re: Bash Ali’s Guinness World Boxing Project” and signed by the Director of Legal Services, Mr. Mohammed, clearly warned Ali against spreading misinformation about government involvement.

A Long History of Accusations: This is not the first time Bash Ali has turned to the courts against top sports officials. He has made similar allegations against at least five former Ministers of Sports over nearly two decades, none of which have led to the realization of his Guinness Record bout.

Despite persistent efforts to push the project across five different presidential administrations, his proposal has never received full official endorsement, casting doubts on its legitimacy.

The judgment marks a significant blow to Bash Ali’s long-running campaign and reaffirms the position of the Federal Government and former Minister Sunday Dare, who had consistently maintained that there was no official agreement to sponsor or organize the fight.

With this ruling, the court has not only struck out the case but also effectively brought an end to what it described as a baseless and vindictive legal battle.

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