A Delta State High Court sitting in Akwukwu-Igbo on Tuesday slammed a ten million naira fine on a popular blogger, one Fejiro Oliver and an accomplice, one Kingsley Kuyenum in a libel suit filed by a former member representing the Ukwuani state constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Honourable Alphonsus Ojo.
In the case with suit number, A/213/2016, Honourable Alphonsus Ojo, through his counsel accused the defendants of publishing reports purporting that the claimant, a medical practitioner, performed an abortion of an eight month old foetus, which almost claimed the life of the supposed woman.
Mr. Fejiro Oliver and his accomplice, Mr Kingsley Kuyenum popularly known as Prince Terry K, were found guilty of publishing falsehood against Honourable Ojo on Facebook, and other blogs, including some indigenous newspapers, where they defamed the character of the claimant, describing him as a 419 legislator unfit to represent his people in the Delta State House of Assembly, among other defamatory publications.
In his ruling, the presiding Judge, Justice Manser Okoh, said the defendants, who filed a memoranda condition appearance, refused to appear before the court to defend themselves, pointing out that the defendants were not able to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.
The lead counsel to the claimant, Gene Mowah, Esq, represented by the Barrister Chiamaka Okike, said the ruling would serve as a deterrent to other journalists who publish stories without cross-checking their facts and those who go about publishing falsehood against responsible and respected citizens.
Speaking on the outcome of the suit, the claimant, Honorable Alphonsus Ojo, said he was elated that the court had vindicated him, describing the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man.
He called on journalists not to allow themselves to be used by politicians for character assassination and smear campaigns, insisting that they should be agent of change and development in playing their role as the watch dog of the society.
Details of the judgement will be published later.
New Hands on Deck as Delta Targets Durable Roads under Oborevwori