ASABA — The Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa and three others have slammed an N1 billion lawsuit against Linda Ikeji, a popular Nigerian blogger for defamation and libel.
The suit with number EHC/210/2021 at the Delta State High Court holden at Effurun Court 2, Delta State, had the Registered Trustees of NBM of Africa, Olorogun Ese Kakor, Olorogun Felix Kupa, and Mayor Onyebueke as claimants with Linda Ikeji as the sole defendant.
The Claimants through their Counsel, Chief E.K. Agbroko Esq are praying to the court for an award of N1 billion and an apology to be published in her blog and two national newspapers amongst others.
The Counsel averred that Ikeji had on the 19th day of October 2019 published in her blog an article in which she defamed his Clients by referring to them as ‘Black Axe’, calling them names different from their organization.
Agbroko added that his clients’ organisation is not known as such. He said, “The name of the organisation is NBM of Africa, she also called them criminals in the said publication.
“When my clients got wind of the publication, they consulted me and we put up a demand letter of retraction and apology. But she neglected and refused to do the needful.
“After several reminders and upon expiration of the letters, the organization decided that a libel suit be filed against her.
“This suit will be an eye-opener to all bloggers who do not verify facts before publishing, when the trial starts the whole details will be unfolded.”
The matter which is before Justice Roli Daibo-Harriman of High Court 2, High Court of Justice, Effurun, came up on Tuesday, April 5 but the defendant was absent and was not represented by any counsel.
The court was, thereafter, adjourned to May 13, 2022, for commencement of trial.
The matter has had three adjournments. It first came up on January 24, 2022, but Ikeji failed to put up appearances and a defence.
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
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