Court adjourns Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s N500m libel suit to April

By Eunice Odigie, Benin City

A High Court siting in Benin City, Edo State Capital yesterday declined hearing into a case of alleged defamation of character insitituted by  former Edo State All Progressive Party Gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize- Iyamu against Rital Ebiuwa, People’s Democratic Party Chieftain over outright breach  of COVID-19 protocol.

The presiding Judge, High Court 2 Justice J. l Acha who noted that the case was formerly filed  on 16 Fubruary 2021 by Counsel to the Claimant, Mathar  Mago ordered that the case file should be quarantine for four days before it can be heard in line with COVID-19 procedure

The court thereafter adjourned hearing into  the case for April 1st, 2021.

In suit No B/488/2020, between Pastor Ize Oaagie Iyamu and Rital Ebiuwa, the claimant amonsgt others is demanding for N500miilion as damages over  libelous publication against his person said to have been published on 19/7/ 2020. by the defendant on Facebook and other social media platforms.

The Claimant also wants a decalaration by the court that the statement published on social media plaforms especially Facebook, syndicated amongst other groups is malicious, defamatory and bringing him to hatred, ridicule and public odium.

Osagie had equally sought an order of the court directing the defendant to publish an approved former letter of apology and a retraction of the purported libelous publications in no fewer than seven national dailies.

Counsel to the defendant, Martin Omo Ighekpe in his earlier response said the alleged libelous cliams against his client by Pastor Ize Osagie lyamu was not only misleading, malicious and gold digging adding that his client was never the author of the publication as same was circulated globally on Facebook.