The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has ordered that a ₦40 billion defamation lawsuit be served on Minister Nyesom Wike through substituted means. This means the court papers will be pasted at the FCT headquarters in Garki, Abuja, as Wike couldn’t be served directly.
The lawsuit was filed by Tonye Cole, the 2023 APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, who claims Wike’s comments on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on September 18 were defamatory. Cole is seeking ₦40 billion in damages, ₦500 million for legal costs, and a public apology from Wike and Channels Television.
Cole’s Demands:
- Declaration: That Wike’s statements were false and defamatory
- Retraction: Wike and Channels TV to retract claims and remove broadcasts
- Apology: Public apology on Channels TV and five national newspapers
- Injunction: Restraining Wike and Channels TV from publishing defamatory material
The court has directed Wike and Channels TV to enter an appearance within 21 days. The case is scheduled for mention on December 9 before Justice M.A. Hassan.
