A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has issued an interlocutory injunction restraining a former Abia State Commissioner for Information, Barrister Eze Chikamnayo, from making or circulating alleged defamatory statements against Abia State Governor, Alex Chioma Otti, pending the determination of a ₦100 billion defamation suit.
The order was granted by Justice J.E. Obanor in a ruling delivered on Thursday, following an application filed by Governor Otti. The court directed Chikamnayo to immediately cease publishing, sharing, broadcasting, or circulating any content deemed defamatory against the governor on his Facebook page, “Iyierioba Chikamnayo,” or on any other digital and traditional media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp, TikTok, newspapers, radio, and television.
Justice Obanor held that, after reviewing the application and accompanying court processes, there was sufficient justification to grant the reliefs sought. The court noted that no process was filed to challenge the application, adding that the interlocutory injunction would remain in force until the substantive suit is fully determined.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to January 19, 2026, for hearing.
The ruling followed a motion on notice brought by Governor Otti’s legal team, led by Dr. Sonny Ajala, SAN, who accused the former commissioner of persisting in the publication of offensive materials against the governor despite being served with court papers on October 17, 2025.
Court documents revealed that Chikamnayo allegedly made several posts on his Facebook page between October 17 and October 31, 2025, after being notified of the lawsuit. The publications reportedly contained statements the governor’s legal team described as false, offensive, and damaging to his reputation.
In an affidavit deposed to by Ifeanyi Michael Agbo of Deeplaw Associates, the governor’s lawyers argued that the defendant, a legal practitioner, acted in disregard of the law by sustaining publications capable of prejudicing a matter already before the court. They further alleged that the posts were aimed at inflicting reputational harm and inciting public hostility against the governor.
In a written address supporting the application, Governor Otti’s counsel contended that the publications violated the doctrine of sub judice, which prohibits comments or actions that may influence ongoing judicial proceedings. The address also cited Rule 30 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023, which obliges lawyers to avoid conduct that may obstruct or adversely affect the administration of justice.
The substantive defamation suit, filed on October 8, 2025, followed a demand letter issued on October 2, 2025, requesting a retraction of the alleged defamatory posts. The former commissioner reportedly failed to comply with the seven-day ultimatum contained in the letter.
In the main suit, Governor Otti is seeking a declaration that the publications gravely damaged his reputation, goodwill, and standing as a public office holder. He is also claiming ₦100 billion in damages for reputational loss and emotional distress, alongside a public apology to be published on the defendant’s social media page and in selected national newspapers.
Additionally, the governor is asking the court to grant a perpetual injunction restraining Chikamnayo from making further defamatory statements on any platform, as well as ₦250 million as the cost of prosecuting the suit.
Earlier, on October 16, 2025, the court granted leave for substituted service of court processes on the defendant through his Facebook page and phone contacts, after the claimant demonstrated that those channels were used to communicate previous demands.
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Justice Obanor also ordered the defendant to enter an appearance within 30 days of service, warning that failure to do so could result in the matter proceeding in his absence.