Omatseye Sues The Sun for N1 Billion

Omatseye Sues The Sun for N1 Billion

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 2:58 pm


Sam Omatseye

Sam Omatseye


By Kazeem Ugbodaga.
Chairman of The Nation Newspaper’s Editorial Board, Sam Omatseye, has sued The Sun to the tune of N1 billion over alleged libellous publication by the newspaper.

In the case filed at the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja Judicial Division, Omatseye serves as the Claimant and The Sun Publishing Limited as the Defendant.

In the case filed by his counsel, Festus Keyamo, the Nation’s Editorial Board Chairman said his character and integrity had been defamed by the Sun’s publication of Tuesday, 13 October, 2015, titled: “Call Omatseye to Order, Kalu Tells Tinubu…Says the Nation Embarrassment to Journalism.”

Omatseye alleged that several of the contents in the publication referred to him as an impostor, charlatan and fake personality; dubious person, mudslinger and dangerous personality; corrupt and an uncivilised person.

The seniour journalist averred that the libellous publication by the newspaper was widely circulated and read by millions of people in the world and particularly in Nigeria where the he has several associates, friends, family and professional colleagues.

Omatseye also averred that by reason of the publication of the words set out in the newspaper, he (claimant) had been seriously injured in his character, credit, reputation and integrity and had been brought to public scandal, odium and contempt and had suffered damages.

However, Omatseye is seeking an order for the sum of N1 billion being damages for the words published of and concerning him which are libellous by direct reference and innuendo. Omatseye also sought an order for a retraction and an unreserved apology by the The Sun for the words published of and concerning the Claimant which are libellous.

Omatseye further sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining The Sun whether by itself, its agents, privies or servants from further publishing or causing to be published any libellous, injurious or defamatory words against “the Claimant and for such further order or other orders as the court might deem fit to make in the circumstances of this case.”


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