A High Court has ordered a lawyer and activist to pay N5.5 million in damages to the counsel of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and also impose an injunction to prevent further libelous publications.
In a landmark ruling, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has issued a judgment awarding N5.5 million in damages against Emeka Ugwuonye, a lawyer and Executive Director of Due Process Advocate.
The court ordered Ugwuonye to pay the sum to Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme not only granted the monetary damages but also imposed a perpetual injunction, prohibiting the defendant and his associates from engaging in any further libelous publications against Ejiofor.
This ruling comes as a result of a suit filed by Ejiofor, demanding N5.1 billion for defamatory publications made by Ugwuonye.
The defendant, Ugwuonye, allegedly published and circulated defamatory content about Ejiofor on the internet between February 5 and February 8, 2022. He claimed that Ejiofor was under investigation for fraud and forgery by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
However, Ejiofor sought legal recourse, seeking several reliefs from the court.
Among the reliefs sought by Ejiofor were a declaration that the publications made by Ugwuonye were defamatory, an order for a full retraction and an apology in three national newspapers with wide circulation, and a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from publishing any further libelous content.
Ejiofor also demanded N5 billion in general and exemplary damages and N100 million as the cost of the legal action.
Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme, in her judgment, not only awarded the requested damages but also ordered Ugwuonye to publish a full retraction and apology in three national newspapers, including PUNCH, Daily Times, and PREMIUM TIMES. Furthermore, the court directed Ugwuonye to provide a written undertaking to refrain from publishing any similar defamatory content in the future.
The court’s orders also included a perpetual injunction restraining Ugwuonye and his associates from publishing any further libelous content about Ejiofor. Additionally, Ugwuonye was directed to pay N5 million as general and exemplary damages, along with N500,000 as the cost of the legal proceedings.
Reacting to the judgment, Ejiofor expressed his determination to see the court’s ruling executed fully. He thanked his colleagues and Barrister Maxwell Opara for their dedicated efforts in securing this victory. Ejiofor also issued a warning to Ugwuonye and others involved, stating that the law would catch up with them, regardless of their status or affiliation.
Ejiofor further revealed his intention to pursue criminal proceedings against these cyberstalkers in accordance with the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act of 2015. He emphasized that those who have the audacity to commit crimes should be prepared to face the inevitable consequences.
Ejiofor concluded by mentioning that his ongoing legal actions against certain individuals on social media will continue, and he will provide updates on their progress in due course. This resolute stance underscores his commitment to seeking justice and holding those responsible for the irreparable damages accountable.
