An FCT High Court sitting in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has approved the service of court papers in a ₦40 billion defamation suit filed against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The suit was instituted by Tonye Cole, a former governorship candidate in Rivers State, who alleges that Wike made false and defamatory statements against him during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on September 18.
Cole claims the remarks, which were aired nationwide and subsequently circulated on digital platforms, portrayed him as corrupt and linked him to financial impropriety involving Rivers State assets and projects. He says the statements caused serious damage to his reputation and standing in public life.
Ruling on an ex parte application filed by Cole’s counsel, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, the trial judge granted leave for substituted service after efforts to personally serve the minister were said to have been unsuccessful. The court directed that the writ of summons, statement of claim and other court processes be pasted at the premises of the Federal Capital Territory Administration in Abuja.
The case, marked CV/4502/25, also names Channels Incorporated Limited, owners of Channels Television, as a co-defendant for broadcasting the alleged defamatory remarks.
Cole is seeking ₦40 billion in general damages and an additional ₦500 million as the cost of the suit. He is also asking the court to order a public retraction and apology on Channels Television and in national newspapers, removal of the broadcast from all platforms, and a perpetual injunction restraining Wike from making similar statements.
The defendants have 21 days from the date of service to enter appearance. The matter has been adjourned for hearing on March 24 and 25, 2026.
Abuja Network News
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