BY ANIMASHAUN AFEEZ ANUOLUWAPO
Director of Competitions of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ms Ruth David, has won a landmark defamation case at the Court of Appeal involving the publisher of an online news outlet (www.bestchoicesports.com.ng), Amaechi Agbo.
Ruling on the defamatory allegations made by Amaechi Agbo against Mrs Ruth David, the court condemned the unfair ethical practices of Mr Agbo, finding that his publication comprised misrepresentation and defamation. Consequently, the Court awarded a huge sum in damages, including a direction that Mr. Agbo pays the cost of litigation assessed at N2,000,000 (Two Million Naira Only) and commanded him to cease disseminating information that could undermine public trust. Additionally, he is instructed to retract the allegations made via the same social media platforms and news outlets where the false information was initially published against Ruth David.
The reliefs granted by the Court of Appeal are: (a) An order directing the Defendant to publicly apologize without reservation to the Claimant and conspicuously publish such apology on one International Television Station, one National Television Station, one widely circulated newspaper in Nigeria, and on the online news platform managed by the Defendant: www.bestchoicesports.com.ng. (b) An order mandating the Defendant to publish a RETRACTION of the libelous material on his Online SportNews Website: www.bestchoicesports.com.ng, and across his personal Instagram, Twitter, Facebook accounts, as well as all ‘bestchoicesports’ social media platforms. The publication must mirror the original libelous content in headline and prominence, ensuring that @ FIFAcom and @ CAF _ Online accounts are tagged or copied.
Additionally, (c) the court awarded general damages for defamation of character. (d) A perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant, his servants, privies, or agents from publishing or further publishing the defamatory statements or any other defamatory content concerning the Claimant. (e) An interest of ten percent (10%) per annum post- judgment, accruing from the date of judgment until the entire sum is fully paid, in accordance with the court’ s rules. (f) The sum of N 2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira) is awarded as costs for the proceeding.
