Senator Chris Anyanwu’s defamation suit against Ikedi Ohakim resumes on June 19 in Abuja, as court warns against unnecessary delays in the trial process
Chris Anyanwu defamation hearing continues this week as proceedings resume before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
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The case, brought by Senator Chris Anyanwu against former Imo State governor Ikedi Ohakim, is set to continue on Thursday, 19 June, before Justice Idris Sani.
The lawsuit stems from an interview Ohakim granted to The Nation newspaper, published on 12 January 2025.
In the interview, Senator Anyanwu claims that the former governor made statements which defamed her.
She is asking the court to compel him to publish a formal apology in two national newspapers, including The Nation, which carried the original interview.
Instead of complying with the demand, Ohakim filed a defence in which he admitted to the remarks but insisted they were fair comment.
He also revealed plans to publish a letter, allegedly written by Senator Anyanwu to the late military ruler General Sani Abacha, in a forthcoming book. The letter, he claims, supports his position.
Meanwhile, The Nation has taken steps to distance itself from the controversy. The publication issued a formal apology and a retraction in its 18 May 2025 edition of The Sunday Nation.
The paper further stated it had removed the article from both print and digital platforms.
At the last court sitting on Tuesday, 17 June, both parties were expected to begin trial. Counsel for Senator Anyanwu, Mr Adekunle Kosoko, confirmed readiness to proceed and present witnesses.
However, Ohakim’s legal team, led in court by U.C. Njemanze-Aku, requested a short adjournment due to the sudden illness of their lead counsel.
Justice Sani expressed dissatisfaction with the delay. He pointed out that Njemanze-Aku, having announced appearance without stating she was holding brief, was competent to handle cross-examination.
He warned that the court would not accept deliberate attempts to stall proceedings.
Mr Kosoko strongly opposed the adjournment, noting that the defence had received witness depositions over a month earlier.
He emphasised the cost implications, stating that one witness had travelled from Lagos to attend the hearing.
In response, Njemanze-Aku argued that the absence of her principal was due to circumstances beyond control.
She agreed to allow the witness to give evidence in chief, but still requested an adjournment for cross-examination.
Following deliberations, the judge granted a brief adjournment to 19 June. Although no costs were awarded, the court ordered the plaintiff’s lawyer to serve a hearing notice on Vintage Press Ltd, publishers of The Nation, which was not represented in court.
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As the legal battle intensifies, observers await the next hearing with interest. The case has stirred public discourse, with implications for press accountability and political reputation in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
