Governor Alex Otti Sues Blogger for ₦5 Billion Over Alleged Defamatory Claims
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse, Abuja, has scheduled January 21, 2025, to hear a ₦5 billion defamation suit filed by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, against a blogger, Sir Don Ubani. The case arises from allegations published on Ubani’s blog and Facebook page on September 26, 2024, which Governor Otti claims are defamatory.
In a ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by Governor Otti’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Sonny Ajala, the court granted approval for substituted service of court documents on the defendant. The service is to be effected via email and WhatsApp, ensuring Ubani is duly notified of the suit.
Court documents reveal that the governor’s lawsuit stems from an article titled “Governor Alexander Otti of Abia State Should Be Clapped For,” where Ubani accused Dr. Otti of acquiring two hotels—Eastern Comfort Hotel and Luxurious Maget Hotel—in Umuahia, Abia State. Ubani also alleged that the governor engaged in "wanton land grabbing" in Umuehim and Umuguru villages within Ehi Na Uguru Autonomous Community, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
Governor Otti categorically denied these claims, describing them as false and malicious. According to his lawyers, the allegations were intended to damage his reputation, particularly among stakeholders in the banking sector, his constituents, and the Labour Party leadership.
On October 2, 2024, Governor Otti’s legal representatives issued a demand letter to Ubani, urging him to retract the defamatory publication and issue an unreserved apology. The governor requested that the apology be posted on Ubani’s Facebook page, blog, and published in major national newspapers, including ThisDay, Punch, The Nation, and National Ambassador.
The letter also demanded ₦150 million in damages, warning of legal action if Ubani failed to comply within seven days. However, Ubani reportedly did not meet the demands, prompting Governor Otti to escalate the matter to court.
In the suit marked FCT/HC/CV/4474/2024, Governor Otti is pursuing the following reliefs:
- A declaration that the publication caused him loss of reputation, respect, goodwill, and standing as a political leader.
- An order restraining Ubani from further disseminating defamatory content about him.
- An order directing Ubani to publish a retraction and unreserved apology on his blog, Facebook page, and four national newspapers.
- ₦5 billion in damages for defamation.
- ₦150 million as compensation for the cost of prosecuting the case.
The court’s approval for substituted service ensures that Ubani receives the legal documents through accessible electronic channels. The case will be heard on January 21, 2025, setting the stage for what could be a landmark ruling in defamation and online publishing cases.
Dr. Otti, through his legal team, maintained that the publication by Ubani was baseless and crafted to tarnish his public image. “I have no connection to Eastern Comfort Hotel or Luxurious Maget Hotel,” he reiterated in court filings.
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the potential consequences of defamatory online publications, particularly against public figures.
