The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has directed that a ₦40 billion defamation lawsuit be served on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, via substituted means.
Justice M. A. Hassan granted the order on Tuesday while ruling on an ex parte motion filed by former All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole.
Cole, in suit number CV/4502/25, named Wike and Channels Television (Channels Incorporated Limited) as defendants, alleging that comments made during the September 18 edition of Politics Today were defamatory.
In his statement of claim, Cole accused Wike of making false and malicious statements that damaged his reputation, suggesting his involvement in financial misconduct related to Rivers State gas projects and the Olympia Hotel.
Represented by Senior Advocate Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), Cole argued that the broadcast portrayed him as dishonest and had severely harmed his reputation both in Nigeria and abroad. He is seeking ₦40 billion in damages for reputational loss and an additional ₦500 million to cover legal costs.
Cole is also requesting injunctive and declaratory relief, including a declaration that the statements were false and defamatory, a directive for the defendants to retract and remove all versions of the broadcast, and a public apology aired on Channels Television and published in at least five national newspapers. He further seeks a perpetual injunction restraining Wike and Channels Television from issuing future defamatory statements.
Okutepa informed the court that personal service of the suit on Wike had failed, prompting the request for substituted service. He noted that a pre-action notice and letter of demand dated October 8 had been delivered to both defendants, but they did not respond, making litigation unavoidable.
Justice Hassan ordered that the writ of summons, statement of claim, witness statements, hearing notice, and all accompanying documents be pasted at the gate of the FCT Minister’s office in Garki, Abuja. The defendants were directed to enter an appearance within 21 days of service.
The case has been adjourned for hearing on March 24 and 25, 2026.
