The Kogi State High Court in Lokoja has awarded N1 billion in damages against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The ruling followed a defamation suit filed by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.
Justice A. S. Ibrahim delivered the judgment after reviewing all evidence presented. The court held that the claims made during a television interview were damaging.
According to the ruling, the statements lacked justification and harmed the claimant’s reputation. Therefore, judgment was entered in favour of Yahaya Bello.
“The interview granted by the defendant on 4/11/2022 on Arise TV programme of ‘The Morning Show’ is defamatory to the claimant’s character and reputation.
“The said interview of 4/11/2022 in which the defendant described the claimant as a murderer, killer, perpetrator of evil acts, and a terror to the people of Kogi State was without justification.”
The court based its decision on the balance of probabilities. Consequently, the claimant’s case was upheld.
In addition to the financial penalty, the court issued further restrictions. A perpetual injunction was granted against the defendant and her associates.
This order prevents any repetition of similar statements in public. It applies to both television and radio platforms.
“The sum of one billion naira (N1,000,000,000) only (is) awarded as damages against the Defendant and in favour of the claimant,” the court said.
However, the case was not without challenges. The defendant’s legal team questioned the court’s jurisdiction at an early stage.
They argued that the suit was an abuse of court process. Meanwhile, the claimant’s counsel disagreed with this position.
In addition, the Court of Appeal reviewed the matter. The appeal was dismissed for lacking merit.
The appellate court affirmed that the Kogi State High Court had proper jurisdiction.
The ruling has raised important questions about public discourse.
Reactions to the ruling have been mixed.
Therefore, its impact may extend beyond Kogi State.
