The High Court of Delta State in Effurun issued a ruling on Monday, instructing prominent blogger Linda Ikeji to pay N30 million in general damages to the Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa for publishing defamatory statements.
The NBM, alongside three others, filed a N1 billion lawsuit against Ikeji for defamation and libel. The plaintiffs included the Registered Trustees of NBM of Africa, Ese Kakor, Felix Kupa, and Mayor Onyebueke.
Justice Roli Daibo-Harriman delivered the verdict, also ordering Ikeji to cover the litigation costs of N300,000. Additionally, Ikeji was directed to publish retractions of the defamatory statements on her blog and in national newspapers. Furthermore, she was prohibited from making further damaging publications against the claimants and members of the NBM of Africa.
Justice Daibo-Harriman emphasized that the terms “dreaded cultist group,” “black axe,” “criminal organization,” and similar expressions used by Ikeji in her publication were all considered defamatory.
In her publication on October 19, 2021, Ikeji allegedly referred to the NBM of Africa using these terms, prompting the claimants to seek redress in court, demanding N1 billion in damages and a public apology.
Despite Ikeji’s absence from the court and lack of representation, the ruling was issued. Lead counsel for the claimants, Mr. Kelvin Agbroko, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, highlighting the importance of verifying information before publication.
Mr. Ese Kakor, President of NBM of Africa, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the judgment serves as a warning to bloggers and the public against baseless character defamation. He clarified that the NBM of Africa is a legally registered organization and not associated with cultism or criminal activities.
Kakor urged the public to adhere to the law and avoid engaging in actions that could harm others’ reputations.