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Peter Mbah Sues APC Chairman and Independent Newspapers for Defamation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Peter Mbah, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu, has taken legal action against the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Ugochukwu Agballah, and Independent Newspapers Limited, for allegedly defaming him through a false and malicious publication. The publication, which appeared in the online edition of the newspaper on May 30, 2022, accused Mr Mbah of joining the governorship race to use public funds to pay an alleged debt of N40 billion. Mr Mbah, a lawyer, has filed a libel suit against Mr Agballah and Independent Newspapers at a State High Court in Enugu on January 18.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mr Mbah is suing Mr Agballah and Independent Newspapers for allegedly making false and malicious statements against him in an online publication on May 30, 2022.
  • The publication accused Mr Mbah of joining the governorship race to pay off an alleged debt of N40 billion if he wins the March 11 election.
  • Mr Mbah has served as chief of staff to former Enugu State governor Chimaroke Nnamani and state commissioner for finance under the former governor.
  • Mr Mbah is seeking N1 billion in general damages and N10 million in costs for the alleged libelous publication.
  • He also wants the court to order the defendants to publish an apology in at least three national dailies and retract the alleged defamatory publication.
  • Mr Mbah's lawyers claim that the publication has caused him embarrassment and damaged his reputation, and that the defendants have refused to retract the publication or apologize.
  • The suit, marked E/25/2023, is currently before the State High Court in Enugu.

Statistics:

  • The alleged liability of N40 billion in the online publication.
  • The N1 billion in general damages sought by Mr Mbah.
  • The N10 million in costs sought by Mr Mbah.
  • The 42 days granted to the defendants to respond to the writ.

Sources:

  • A court document obtained by PREMIUM TIMES.
  • Independent Newspapers Limited.

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