A High Court sitting in Abakaliki, has awarded ₦50 million in damages in a defamation suit involving a former governor of Ebonyi State and Minister of Works, David Umahi
The case stemmed from a series of messages shared in January 2021 on a WhatsApp platform belonging to alumni of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Law Class of 2001.
In the messages, the defendant, Michael Inya allegedly accused the plaintiff of diverting and concealing state funds through a private business, while also displaying the image of a hotel in Port Harcourt.
The claims sparked widespread reactions within the group, with some members reportedly questioning the plaintiff’s integrity and distancing themselves from him.
Following the allegations, the plaintiff, through his lawyer, Chukwuma Machukwu-Ume, demanded a retraction and public apology. However, the defendant declined, prompting legal action.
During the trial, the court heard evidence from three witnesses presented by the plaintiff, including bank officials, while the defendant, was the sole witness for his case.
Delivering judgment, Justice Chinyere Ken-Eze held that the statements were defamatory and that the defendant failed to prove the allegations of financial misconduct.
Justice Ken-Eze consequently awarded ₦50 million in damages, ordered the defendant to publish a written apology on the same platform within 14 days, and granted a perpetual injunction restraining him from further defamatory statements.
