LOS ANGELES—Ivo Tanku Tapang, a Cameroonian academic and political refugee, has filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Los Angeles-based attorney Emmanuel Nsahlai, alleging that Nsahlai falsely labeled him a “terrorist” in widely circulated communications.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, seeks at least $100,000 in damages, claiming Nsahlai deliberately spread false and damaging allegations about Tapang, including accusations of immigration fraud and terrorist activities. Tapang has vehemently denied the claims, calling them baseless and defamatory.
“This case is about protecting my name, my profession, and my future from baseless and reckless accusations,” Tapang said in a statement. “I have worked hard to build my reputation, and I refuse to let defamatory lies destroy what I have accomplished.”
According to the complaint, Nsahlai sent a letter in January 2025 to multiple media outlets and government agencies, accusing Tapang of serious criminal activities. The lawsuit contends that these claims were not only false but part of a broader pattern of harassment.
The case has been assigned to Magistrate Judge Stephanie S. Christensen. It falls under federal jurisdiction due to diversity of citizenship and the amount in controversy exceeding $75,000.
Tapang’s legal team argues that Nsahlai has a documented history of making unverified claims against members of the Cameroonian diaspora. Court records show that Nsahlai has previously been sanctioned in federal cases for filing frivolous lawsuits and failing to provide credible evidence.
The lawsuit cites previous legal battles involving Nsahlai, including Doe v. Tapang (2018) and CAVAT v. Ambazonian Foundation Inc. (2020), both of which were dismissed. In one instance, a U.S. District Court judge ruled that Nsahlai acted in “subjective bad faith” and ordered him to pay legal fees.
Despite these legal setbacks, the complaint alleges, Nsahlai has continued making defamatory claims against Tapang, culminating in the latest accusations outlined in the January 2025 letter.
Tapang is requesting at least $100,000 in compensatory damages for harm to his reputation and professional standing, as well as punitive damages. The lawsuit also seeks a court order preventing Nsahlai from making further false statements about him.
“We believe this lawsuit is a necessary step to hold Nsahlai accountable for his reckless disregard for the truth,” said Tapang’s attorney, J. Curtis Edmondson. “No one should have to suffer from unfounded and malicious attacks.”
The case is expected to draw significant attention due to its implications for defamation law, legal ethics, and the ongoing tensions within the Ambazonian diaspora.
