In a recent development, Chief Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, a Customs Licensed Agent hailing from Ogun State, has taken legal action against Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Arise (TV) Media Group, and Fisayo Soyombo for alleged defamation.
In a writ of summons dated May 3rd, 2024, filed at the High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Chief Egungbohun, commonly known as IBD Dende, accuses the defendants of tarnishing his reputation through defamatory tweets on their respective handles and a broadcast on Arise Television’s special program titled “The Morning Show,” aired on February 24th, 2024.
The lawsuit seeks several remedies, including a retraction of the libelous statements and a public apology from each defendant. Chief Egungbohun demands that the apology be published on FIJ Nigeria’s Twitter handle, Fisayo Soyombo’s handle, and FIJ’s website, in addition to being broadcasted on Arise TV’s “The Morning Show.”
Furthermore, the plaintiff seeks a court order restraining the defendants from making any further defamatory publications, including the use of innuendos, on their respective platforms.
Chief Egungbohun is also requesting compensation in the form of general damages amounting to ₦5,000,000,000.00 (Five Billion Naira) and an additional sum of N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) to cover the cost of instituting the lawsuit.
The High Court in Abuja has granted a 30-day ultimatum for the appearance of FIJ, Arise TV, and Fisayo Soyombo as defendants in the case.
As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders await further developments in this defamation lawsuit, which underscores the importance of responsible journalism and the consequences of publishing defamatory content.
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