An Abuja High Court sitting in Jabi has commenced hearing in the ₦550 million defamation case filed by Senator Chris Anyanwu against former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim over an interview she claimed damaged her reputation.
The suit, which also lists Vintage Press Limited—publishers of The Nation newspaper—as the second defendant, arose from a January 12, 2025 publication in which Ohakim allegedly made false and damaging statements about the senator.
Though The Nation reportedly issued an apology, Ohakim stood by his comments, describing them as “fair comment” within the bounds of free expression.
At the Monday hearing, Justice M.I. Sani overruled a preliminary objection from Ohakim’s counsel, Chief Ken Njemanze, SAN, who argued that the case was not ready for trial due to the absence of a pre-trial conference. He maintained that such a conference was a procedural necessity to narrow the issues before full hearing.
However, Senator Anyanwu’s counsel, Chief Umeh Kalu, SAN, countered that the defence was merely attempting to stall proceedings.
He insisted that both parties had exchanged pleadings and that justice should not be delayed on procedural grounds. Justice Sani agreed, ruling that the matter proceed immediately to trial.
The claimant’s first witness, Dr. Joyce Ejukonemu, a Gender Protection Specialist and Senior Researcher, testified in support of Anyanwu.
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Led in evidence by counsel Kunle Kosoko, she adopted her witness statement on oath and tendered copies of the Nation publication and a January 24 press release issued by Ohakim.
Ohakim’s counsel objected to the admissibility of the documents, claiming they were uncertified photocopies contrary to Section 104 of the Evidence Act. But Kalu maintained that the copies bore proper certification from the National Library and were admissible under the law.
Justice Sani admitted the documents as exhibits, marking the publication as Exhibit 1, stating that the court had discretion to accept any relevant evidence.
Further attempts by the claimant to tender additional documents, including a Naija News report, faced similar objections.
Njemanze argued that the online document lacked a certificate of compliance as required by Section 84 of the Evidence Act. After a brief exchange, Kalu withdrew the press release, opting to reserve arguments for later.
Justice Sani subsequently adjourned the case to December 1 for ruling on admissibility issues and continuation of trial.
