The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse, Abuja, on Tuesday overruled an objection by blogger Sir Don Ubani in a N5 billion defamation suit filed by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti.
Justice N. K. Nwosu-Iheme dismissed the objection raised by the blogger’s lawyer, S. M. Oluebube, against documents presented by Dr. Sonny Ajala SAN, counsel to Governor Otti.
The lawsuit stems from an online publication titled “Governor Alexander Otti Of Abia State Should Be Clapped For,” which Otti claims contained false and malicious statements about him.
In his suit, Governor Otti is seeking N5 billion in damages for alleged harm to his reputation and character. He also requested the court to restrain the defendant from further publishing disparaging material and to order an apology in four national newspapers.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Ajala presented Architect Uche Uche as the governor’s first witness. The court admitted two documents as evidence over the defense’s objections:
The defendant’s October 6, 2024 online publication
A lawyer’s response countering the blogger’s claim of not receiving a libel notice
Justice Nwosu-Iheme adjourned the case to June 2, 2025, for continuation of the hearing.
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