- Court Orders Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan To Pay ₦1bn In Defamation Suit
- Judge rules ARISE TV interview statements were unjustified and damaging
- Court issues injunction restraining further defamatory remarks
A High Court in Lokoja has ordered the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to pay ₦1 billion in damages in a defamation suit filed by former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.
The court delivered the judgment on Friday in a suit marked HCL/16/2023, following a case instituted by Bello over statements made during an interview on ARISE Television.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in the Certified True Copy of the judgment dated April 23, Justice A. S. Ibrahim held that, based on the preponderance of evidence and balance of probabilities, the case was resolved in favour of the claimant.
The court ruled that the issues raised for determination were decided against the defendant, affirming that the statements made during the interview were defamatory.
“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 court stated.
It further held that, “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 consequently awarded ₦1 billion in damages in favour of Bello.
In addition to the monetary award, the court issued a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant, her agents, privies, or associates from making or publishing further defamatory statements against the claimant on television, radio, or any other platform.
The ruling is expected to have significant implications for political communication and public commentary, particularly concerning statements made in the media.
