29th October, 2013
A High Court in the Nigerian capital of Abuja on Tuesday adjourned the N10 billion libel suit filed by Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala against an online publication till 26 November.
The judge, Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi, adjourned the matter to enable Pointblank News Communication, the second defendant to enter memorandum of appearance in the matter.
At the resumed hearing, Jackson Ude’s Counsel, Mr Mike Alaeto, urged the court to grant him an extension of time, to perfect his appearance in the matter.
Mr Etigwe Uwa (SAN) Counsel to the Okonjo-Iweala, did not oppose the application.
Okonjo-Iweala, on 5 March 2012, sued a U.S-based online news medium, Pointblank News Communication and its directors, Jackson Ude and Churchill Umoren.
The minister is claiming N10 billion as general damages and the same amount as exemplary and aggravated damages for the alleged libel.
On 10 January 2012, the defendants published a report “Okonjo-Iweala buys N1.2 billion Abuja mansion’’ from Chief Fabian Nworah, owner of EFAB Properties Ltd., in November 2011.