26th September, 2012
N20 Billion Arik Suit: Court Rules In Favour Of Punch
JETHRO IBILEKE/Benin
A Benin High Court Wednesday ruled in favour of Punch Nigeria Limited, in a N20 billion libel suit instituted against it by Arik Air Nigeria Limited.
The court awarded N10, 000 costs in favour of Punch newspapers.
Management of Arik Air had in 2010 dragged Punch newspapers to court over an alleged libelous publication in two stories it published on July 7 and July 11, 2010.
Delivering judgment in the suit No: B/576/2010, Justice Roland Amaize said the plaintiff failed to prove that the publication was made with malice.
He mentioned that the evidence presented by PW1, Chief Arumemi Ikhide-Johnson was conjectured, and that “the witness showed himself not to be a witness of truth.”
Justice Amaize said the plaintiff failed to prove before the court, adding that “EFCC interrogation published by Punch newspaper were false.”
Counsel to Punch Nigeria Limited, Omoruyi Omonuwa (SAN), expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing it as fair.
“It was a fair determination of issues before the court, and I am satisfied with it,” Omonuwa said.