A Makurdi High Court presided over by Justice Adam Onum has ordered the publisher of Nigerian Concord, Mr Aare Abiodun Oluwarotimi to pay N5 million to Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, as damages for libel.
Delivering judgement in a case instituted by the Governor, Justice Onum also ordered the publisher to retract the libelous publications in national newspapers, television, radio as well as social media platforms.
The Governor had demanded N10 billion for damages.
Speaking with newsmen after the judgement, the Governor’s lawyer, Mr Andrew Wombo, expressed satisfaction with the judgment and pledged that he would take legal steps to enforce it.
He stated that the objective of the case was to prove to the entire world that Mr Oluwarotimi’s publications against the office and person of the Governor were false, fabricated and mischievous.
Barrister Wombo stated that although the motive for instituting the case were not for financial benefit, he would make sure the defendant pays the money as a deterrent against those bent on publishing falsehood against the Governor.
Throughout the proceedings Mr Oluwarotimi failed to appear in court and was not represented by any defence counsel.
Court processes were however served on him through substituted means in Daily Trust, The Nation newspapers as well as on his Facebook page.
