Dennis Ityavyar sues Benue CPS for ₦1bn, demanding apology and retraction over alleged defamatory statements made during a July press briefing in Makurdi
Dennis Ityavyar sues Benue CPS for ₦1 billion over alleged defamatory remarks made during a press briefing on July 17, 2025.
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The former Commissioner for Education filed the lawsuit at the Benue State High Court in Makurdi, naming Governor Hyacinth Alia, the state government, and the Attorney General as co-defendants.
Ityavyar, through his lawyer Clement Mue, claims that Kula Tersoo, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, made malicious and false statements that damaged his reputation, linking him to fraud, mismanagement, and the alleged collapse of public institutions under his watch.
Tersoo had stated publicly that Ityavyar “presided over the rot” in education and suggested his criticism of the current administration was to avoid accountability.
The former commissioner asserts that the remarks led to “emotional distress, public ridicule, and reputational injury,” triggering concern among colleagues, political associates, and family members.
Ityavyar is demanding ₦1bn in general damages, ₦5m in legal fees, and a full public retraction and apology in national media.
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He insists the claims were calculated to damage his credibility and were inconsistent with his public service record.
