FCT High Court Admits Evidence in Alex Otti's 5billion Defamation Lawsuit Against Don Ubani
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting in Wuse, Abuja, has taken a decisive step in Governor Alex Otti's 5 billion defamation lawsuit against political commentator and blogger, Sir Don Ubani. In a key development on Tuesday, Justice N. K. Nwosu-Iheme ruled in favour of the Abia State governor by admitting two critical documents into evidence, dismissing objections raised by the defendant's legal team.
Sir Don Ubani, a known critic of the Abia State governor, is facing a defamation suit following a controversial publication made on September 26, 2024. In the article titled "Governor Alexander Otti Of Abia State Should Be Clapped For", Ubani allegedly accused the governor of acquiring two struggling hotels in Umuahia through proxies, while also raising allegations of questionable real estate dealings.
Represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Sonny Ajala, Governor Otti is seeking N15 billion in general damages, along with a public apology in four national newspapers and a perpetual injunction restraining Ubani from further defamatory publications.
During Tuesday's proceedings, the defendant's lawyer, S. M. Oluebube, objected to the admissibility of two documents presented by the prosecution, arguing that they were not front-loaded with the original writ of summons.
However, Dr. Ajala countered the objection by citing Order 7 of the FCT High Court Civil Procedure Rules, which allows courts to overlook procedural oversights in the interest of substantial justice. Agreeing with this position, Justice Nwosu-Iheme ruled that both documents met the required legal standards and admitted them as evidence. She further directed that they be properly documented by the court clerk.
1. An article published on October 6, 2024, titled "No Lawyer from Governor Otti Has Served Sir Don Ubani Any Notice."
2. A follow-up publication captioned "Lawyer Counters Blogger's Claim of Not Receiving Gov. Otti's Libel Notice."
Both articles were reportedly published on Sir Don Ubani's Facebook page (with over 6,300 followers) and his news blog, equityreporters.ng, and are being used to support the governor's claim of a persistent campaign of defamation.
Governor Otti's first prosecution witness, Architect Uche Uche, took the stand and adopted two written depositions, affirming the falsity of the claims made by the defendant. Under examination, the witness emphasized that the statements were malicious, misleading, and aimed at damaging the governor's hard-earned reputation.
According to the suit, the governor asserts that Ubani's publication caused him irreparable harm, affecting his image as a seasoned financial expert and respected political leader. Emotional and psychological damages were also cited in the governor's submission.
Following the testimony and evidence admission, Justice Nwosu-Iheme adjourned the case to June 2, 2025, for continuation of trial.
The high-profile case continues to spark public interest, especially in Abia State, where political tensions between the governor and Ubani have been long-standing. Legal analysts are closely watching the case, which could set a precedent in defamation law involving public figures in Nigeria.
