By Nkechinyere Ewa
The High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has awarded N10 million in damages to the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, in a defamation suit against Chisom Achor.
Justice Franklin Edeme delivered the judgment on Tuesday in Suit No. HAB/224/2025: Rt. Hon. Comrade Chinedu Ogah v. Chisom Achor, holding that the claimant was entitled to reliefs arising from the defamatory statements made against him.
The court ordered Achor to pay N10 million as compensation to Ogah with immediate effect.
Justice Edeme also directed the defendant to publish a public apology to Ogah in national newspapers within two weeks of the judgment.
In addition, the court restrained Achor from making or publishing any further defamatory statements against the federal lawmaker on any social media platform or through any other medium.
The court further awarded N200,000 in costs to the claimant’s counsel for their role during the litigation.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the judgment, counsel to the claimant, Barr. S. Ekigbo, described the verdict as “a victory for justice,” saying it reaffirmed the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.
“The court has once again demonstrated that every citizen has the right to seek redress through lawful means. We appreciate the sound judgment delivered by Justice Franklin Edeme,” he said.
Ekigbo urged members of the public, particularly youths, to refrain from using social media to defame or malign others, warning that such actions could attract legal consequences.
He also commended his client, Ogah, for choosing the legal process to protect his reputation rather than resorting to self-help.