FCT DIRECTOR FACES N500M LIBEL SUIT FOR ALLEGED DEFAMATION.
BY Our Correspondents.
Legal battle has unfold at the FCT High Court,as DOAS Director Dr. Babagana Adam, has finds himself embroiled in a N500 million libel suit, accused of defaming businessman Dr. Donald Amangbo.
The dispute stems from a press statement featured in the Authority newspaper.
“Dr. Adam, from the Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage under the Nyesom Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration, appeared in court to address allegations of libel,” revealed sources close to the case.
Our correspondent gathered that the lawsuit, registered as FCT/HC/CV/6082/2023, was instituted by Abuja-based businessman Dr. Donald Amangbo. He not only targets Dr. Adam but also directs accusations toward the a national newspaper for allegedly besmirching his reputation deliberately.
Dr. Amangbo seeks reparations amounting to N500 million from both defendants for the purportedly damaging publication.
According to his court filing, on March 29, 2023, Dr. Baba Gana Adam allegedly labeled him a “Fake Revenue Kingpin” in the FCT through a press statement in the Authority newspaper, cautioning potential revenue payers to steer clear.
Initially slated for a hearing on December 14, 2023, the case has been adjourned to March 26 of 2024.
“We are fully prepared to present concrete evidence substantiating the claims of libel against all defendants during the next adjourned date,” stated plaintiff counsel Mr. Solomon Tunyan and A.J Adagami from Karina Tunyan SAN & Co following the court proceedings.
Recalled that Justice Babagana Hassan of Federal Capital Territory Jabi High Court division has ordered a substituted sammons to be served to Dr Babagana Adam and two others, this follows prayer requested by the claimants applicant in a motion expertise dated 1- Oct – 2023 filled by Comrade Donald Amangbo and two others accompanied with affidavit and listen to Crisbatel Ayuk counsel to the claimant.
This follows a prayer by the claimant counsel requesting the court to grant an order all other court process on the first defendant by substituted means by fixing it or pasting on Abuja enterprises Agency located at 74 B15 Jahi Federal Capital Territory.
Granting the order Justice Babangida Hassan avered that the leave is hereby granted to the claimant application to serve with sermons statement of claim and all other court processes on the first defendant by substituted means.
The matter is adjourned to 14 – Dec – 2023 for hearing.
