A former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, has denied giving an interview to The Nation on January 12, 2025, which Senator Chris Anyanwu claims was defamatory. Ohakim made this statement in his amended Statement of Defence in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/1058/2025, pending before the FCT High Court in Jabi, Abuja. The case has been adjourned to November 4, 2026, as Anyanwu's lawyer, Adekunle Kosoko, filed a motion to regularise a Reply to Ohakim's amended defence.
Ohakim's lawyer, K.C.O. Njemanze, SAN, stated that the defence would need to study the document first. The court was expected to hear the cross-examination of Dr Joyce Ejukonemu, a witness for Anyanwu, but this did not occur due to the application. Dr Ejukonemu and other witnesses for Anyanwu were present in court, but their evidence was not heard. The case stems from remarks attributed to Ohakim in the interview about Anyanwu and her memoir, Bold Leap.
In his amended defence, Ohakim denied writing, speaking, publishing, or causing the publication of the words Anyanwu complains about. He also accused Anyanwu of fabricating a press statement to found the suit. Ohakim argues that the words were not defamatory, the suit is incompetent, and the court has no jurisdiction to hear it. He disputed several of Anyanwu's claims about her political and professional career, which she would contest at trial.
Anyanwu's amended reply rejects Ohakim's defence, insisting the statements were defamatory and published maliciously. She took issue with claims that she once wrote an apology to the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha, and that she leaned on military connections in her political career. Her pleading says Ohakim asserted that such a letter existed and promised to make it public, but never did.
Anyanwu alleges the remarks were meant to harm her reputation and gain political advantage. She claims that the court must still decide on the matter. Anyanwu also states that Vintage Press Limited, which publishes The Nation, has apologised to her privately and publicly over the publication. Regarding her memoir, she says it recounts her life and experiences and denies that it defamed Ohakim.
The N550 million defamation suit has been ongoing, with both parties presenting their cases. Ohakim's denial of the interview and Anyanwu's claims of defamation will be addressed in court. The case has been adjourned to November 4, 2026, as the court will continue to hear the matter.
The outcome of the case will determine whether Ohakim's alleged statements were defamatory and if Anyanwu's claims of N550 million in damages are valid. The court will review the evidence presented by both parties and make a decision based on the facts.
Key points
- Ohakim denies granting an interview to The Nation.
- Anyanwu claims Ohakim's statements were defamatory and published maliciously.
- The case has been adjourned to November 4, 2026.
