Nollywood actress Judy Austin has taken veteran actress Rita Edochie to court over alleged defamatory statements.
Austin filed the suit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.
She is demanding N1 billion in damages over the alleged statements, according to the writ of summons.
The actress disclosed the lawsuit on her verified Instagram account, where she shared the court document. The suit identifies Austin as the claimant and Edochie as the defendant.
Austin is seeking N1 billion as general damages for alleged defamation.
“The sum of N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira) only, as general damages for defamation,” the court document stated.
She is also asking the court to order Edochie to issue a public apology and retraction. The proposed apology would be published in two widely circulated national newspapers and on Edochie’s social media pages.
Austin further wants the court to stop Edochie from allegedly repeating or sharing the statements.
She is also seeking an order compelling the veteran actress to remove the alleged statements online.
The Judy Austin lawsuit also includes a demand for N50 million in legal costs.
Austin is seeking 10 per cent interest on the judgment sum until the amount is fully paid.
The case was filed by Austin’s legal team, led by Anozie Obinnaya Obi, SAN, alongside other lawyers.
The writ requires Edochie to appear before the court within the period specified after receiving the legal documents.
Austin accompanied her Instagram post with a brief but firm message.
“Enough is enough!” she wrote.
However, the court will determine the claims and any legal response from Edochie as the case progresses.
