Enugu High Court Awards N100 Million in Online Defamation Case Against Daily Times Plc and Folio Communications Ltd



An Enugu State High Court, presided over by Justice C. O. Ajah has awarded the sum of One Hundred Million Naira (N100 million) in damages to Dr. Ejike Arum over a defamatory online publication.

Dr. Arum, through his counsel Ifeanyi Okumah, Esq., of Sterling Attorneys, filed a lawsuit against Daily Times Nigeria Plc and Folio Communications Limited, alleging that the defendants falsely portrayed him in an online article as a pedophile, rapist, and a dangerous criminal.

Dr. Arum sought for the sum of N1b (one billion naira) damages, injunction restraining further publication of the libelous material, and a front-page public apology in two national dailies, including Daily Times.

According to Dr. Arum, the defamatory content gravely damaged his reputation, stripped him of his self-esteem, and caused him immense emotional distress.

In response, the defendants first challenged the jurisdiction of the Enugu State High Court, arguing that they neither resided in nor conducted business within the state and lost both at the trial court and the Court of Appeal, which ruled in favor of Dr. Arum, and held that the accessibility of the online publication in Enugu was sufficient to establish jurisdiction.

This ruling underscores the evolving legal landscape surrounding online defamation in Nigeria affirms the judiciary's recognition of the broad reach and potential harm of internet publications.

At the hearing of the main reliefs, the trial court considered the evidence and arguments of the parties and resolved them in favour of the plaintiff (Dr. Arum).

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ISPIC LAUNCHES GERMAN CENTRE AND GERMAN LANGUAGE SCHOOL LANGUAGE IN ENUGU

Image
  In a significant step toward fostering intercultural understanding and economic growth, the Institute for Social Peace and Intercultural Competence (ISPIC) has commissioned its German centre and German Language School at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu. Speaking on the occasion, the founder of ISPIC, Engr. Anthony Dominic, while  sharing the project’s vision, stressed its transformative impact on Nigerian youths. “This initiative is about elevating and equipping young people with the skills to excel in their chosen fields, free of charge, while addressing economic challenges,” he said. Dr. Emeka Ani (founder) also emphasised the importance of the program while reflecting on his own struggles abroad 26 years ago. “ I am a product of those who ran away many years ago. ISPIC is my perspective to give youths a dream and an opportunity  I did not have to thrive when he left the country 26 years ago. All you need to do is to show readiness and commit...
Read more

Senator Chukwu Debunks Rumour Of His Exit From Labour Party

Image
Senator Kelvin Chukwu representing Enugu East Senatorial Zone at the National Assembly has denied the fake resignation letter circulating in the media, falsely claiming that he has resigned from the Labour Party.  The Sanator described it as a deliberate act of misinformation aimed at misleading the public and causing unnecessary confusion. In a reply statement issued by the Senator's  Chief of Staff, Honorable Eneh Victor, the Senator insisted that the letter is fake in its entirety.  "It did not meet the standard of what can emanate from the stable of Senator Kelvin Chukwu. It is a handiwork of mischief makers and enemies of the senator who are threatened by his towering posture and audacious performance." "We categorically deny the authenticity of this letter and affirm that Senator Kelvin Chukwu remains a committed and active member of the Labour Party. This is yet another example of desperate political propaganda intended to undermine his position and create dis...
Read more

EEDC ANNOUNCES GENERAL SYSTEM COLLAPSE

Image
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has informed it's esteemed customers of a general system collapse that occurred at 18:48 hours today, 14th October, 2024.  According to a statement issued by EEDC Head, Corporate Communication, Emeka Eze, the collapse has resulted in the loss of supply currently being experienced across EEDC network. Consequently, due to this development, all our according to him "interface TCN stations are out of supply, and we are unable to provide services to our customers in Abia, Anambra,  Ebonyi,  Enugu, and Imo States". "We are on standby awaiting detailed information of the collapse and restoration of supply from the National Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo. 
Read more