A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has reserved judgment in a high-profile libel suit involving Geoffrey Onyeama, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and career ambassador Lilian Onoh. The court, after hearing final arguments from both parties, has announced that the judgment date will be communicated in due course.
Geoffrey Onyeama, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, instituted a libel suit against Lilian Onoh, a career ambassador and sister to his ex-wife. The suit, filed in 2023, claims that Onoh defamed Onyeama in multiple memos sent to then-President Muhammadu Buhari during Onyeama's tenure as minister. Onyeama is seeking N500 million in damages from Onoh and two media outlets, Akelicious Media Company and Newswire Law & Event Magazine, which published the alleged defamatory content.
In his suit, Onyeama contends that Onoh’s communications and the subsequent media publications were defamatory and damaging to his reputation.
In response, Lilian Onoh has filed a counterclaim seeking N2 billion in damages from Onyeama. She alleges that the libel suit was malicious and part of a longstanding vendetta stemming from Onyeama's divorce from her sister. Onoh argues that the suit has caused her emotional trauma and upheaval.
During the court proceedings, Onyeama's counsel, Agada Elachi (SAN), argued that the former minister had provided substantial evidence to prove the defamatory nature of Onoh’s communications. He urged the court to award the N500 million damages and to compel the defendants to issue a public apology and retraction.
Elachi dismissed the defense’s procedural challenges regarding the service of court documents and the propriety of the suit. He maintained that Onyeama’s identity and the legitimacy of the claims were well-established.
On the other hand, Onoh’s counsel, J.O. Okpor, contended that Onyeama failed to substantiate his defamation claims. Okpor argued that the service of court documents to Onoh's former lawyer was unlawful and that the judge's orders to serve Onoh without proper application were illegal.
Elachi emphasized that Onyeama had met the burden of proof and that the defense had not presented a formidable counter-argument. He argued that the defamatory statements had caused significant harm to Onyeama’s reputation and professional standing.
In contrast, Okpor asserted that Onoh’s statements were justified and did not constitute defamation. He suggested that Onyeama’s suit was an attempt to silence critics and avoid accountability. Okpor also requested the court to refund all fines paid by Onoh and cover the costs incurred due to the suit, including legal expenses and lost income.
The other defendants, Akelicious Media Company and Newswire Law & Event Magazine, did not have legal representation during the hearings. Their involvement is primarily related to the publication of the allegedly defamatory content.
After considering the arguments from both sides, Justice Keziah Ogbonnaya announced that the judgment would be reserved. The final verdict, which could significantly impact both parties, will be communicated at a later date.
This case highlights the complexities of defamation suits involving high-profile individuals and the potential impact on their reputations. The court's judgment will not only determine the financial compensations but also set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
The outcome will be closely watched, given the involvement of a former minister and a career ambassador, and could influence how defamation and libel cases are handled in the Nigerian judicial system.
As the legal battle between Onyeama and Onoh continues, both parties and the public await the court's decision. The judgment will address the claims of defamation, emotional trauma, and professional disruptions, and will provide a resolution to this high-stakes legal confrontation.
The case exemplifies the intersection of personal vendettas and professional disputes, with the court poised to deliver a verdict that could have lasting ramifications for the individuals involved and the broader legal landscape in Nigeria.
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