Chiemelie Ezeobi 

To personally evaluate the operational capability of naval fleets and adherence to standard operating procedures during real-time maritime operations, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, on Monday formally flagged off the Nigerian Navy’s Annual Sea Exercise.

With full compliments of 16 naval warships, the CNS flagged off the two-day exercise themed Exercise ERU OBODO, which means “Guardian of the Nation”, onboard Nigerian Navy Ship KADA at the jetty of BEECROFT in Lagos. 

The naval vessels include NNS KADA, NNS IKOGOSI, DB ABUJA, NNS GURARA, NNS IKENNE, NNS IBENO, NNS KANO, NNS EKULU, NNS ABA, NNS CENTENARY, NNS MAMBILA, NNS FARO, NNS SOKOTO, NNS CHALAWA, NNS OLOIBIRI and NNS ZUR. 

While reaffirming the navy’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and contributing to security across the Gulf of Guinea, Vice Admiral Abbas described the exercise as a central pillar of the Nigerian Navy’s operational calendar and a critical platform for testing fleet readiness, operational effectiveness and combat preparedness.

He noted that Nigeria’s maritime environment remains strategically vital as a corridor for commerce, a source of immense natural resources and a frontline of national security and as such, the navy’s ability to dominate the maritime space, guarantee freedom of navigation and deter criminality remains non-negotiable.

Vice Admiral Abbas explained that EX ERU OBODO has been carefully structured to mirror real-world operational challenges. The exercise will test a broad range of naval competencies, including fleet manoeuvres, advanced gunnery, anti-piracy operations, suppression of illegal oil bunkering, search and rescue missions, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations.

The exercise will also evaluate inter-agency cooperation with key maritime stakeholders, as well as the Navy’s capacity for logistics support and combat sustainability at extended ranges from shore bases.

Beyond Nigeria’s waters, the CNS reiterated that the Nigerian Navy remains a key stabilising force in the Gulf of Guinea, contributing significantly to the reduction of piracy, protection of shipping lanes and the promotion of maritime governance in the region.

Under the leadership of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he affirmed that the navy stands fully prepared to undertake any mission assigned to it. 

“Exercises like this strengthen our readiness and ensure that we remain a reliable guardian of Nigeria’s maritime interests and regional maritime security,” he said.

Addressing participating ships, helicopters, special forces and supporting units, the Naval Chief urged personnel to view the exercise not as a routine drill but as battle preparation, just as he added that the exercise would translate into safer waterways for fishermen and mariners, a more secure Gulf of Guinea and enhanced economic prosperity.

“You must operate with tactical rigor, procedural precision and uncompromising discipline. Push your platforms and yourselves to the limit, identify gaps, learn from every evolution and build the muscle memory required for real combat,” he stressed, while emphasising that safety must remain paramount throughout all phases of the exercise.

On piracy and illegal fishing, the CNS noted that sustained patrols and exercises such as EX ERU OBODO are essential to maintaining recent security gains and sending a clear message to maritime criminals that the Nigerian Navy remains vigilant, capable and ever ready.

Earlier, the Officer in Tactical Command (OTC), who also doubles as the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral A.A. Mustapha, said the maritime environment has become increasingly complex, with persistent threats such as sea robbery, crude oil theft, illegal trafficking and unregulated exploitation of marine resources.

He said the exercise provides an opportunity for the CNS to assess the operational readiness of the fleet in line with his mission of deploying a highly motivated, professional and combat-ready Navy capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests and supporting joint operations.

Also speaking, the Officer Conducting the Exercise (OCE) and Chief of Operations Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral M.B. Katagum, said the exercise aligns squarely with the CNS Strategic Directives on fleet readiness and mission effectiveness.

He reiterated that the exercise is designed to test and refine the Navy’s capacity to secure Nigeria’s maritime interests through effective command and control, logistics sustainability, tactical manoeuvres and coordinated employment of maritime and air assets.

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By Shina Abubakar

OSOGBO— THE Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, CCNC, yesterday, raised fresh concerns over the prolonged withholding of local government funds meant for Osun State, warning that the development has pushed the state into what it described as a deepening socio-economic crisis.

Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo, the spokesperson of the coalition, Mr Raufu Sodiq, said the situation has inflicted widespread hardship on residents across the state.

According to him, the coalition carried out extensive investigations involving field visits, interviews with community stakeholders and assessments across major sectors.

He said the findings showed that the continued seizure of local government allocations has crippled livelihoods and weakened essential public services.

He said: “Osun masses are suffering; the impact of this withheld fund is visible in every community across the state.

“Many small businesses that depend on local government workers for patronage have suffered declining income, high debt levels and rising health challenges caused by financial pressure.

“Over N500 million worth of agricultural projects have been abandoned, and this is a direct threat to food security in Osun State.

“Many of the students are now malnourished and the school has accumulated debts owed to food vendors.”

While issuing a series of demands, the coalition disclosed that it would escalate the situation by embarking on mass protests across the country.

He said: “We are giving the Central Bank of Nigeria a three-day ultimatum to ensure the funds are released and accessible to all local governments.”

“If the Federal Government fails to act within three days, we will adopt more drastic measures, including nationwide confrontation, to seek justice for the people of Osun.”

The post CCNC to FG: Osun people suffering over withheld LG funds appeared first on Vanguard News.

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African entrepreneur Darvey Ugochukwu Ezeala is expanding his footprint across technology and luxury real estate.

Ezeala is redirecting his focus from media and brand strategy into two fast-growing sectors: AI-driven app development and premium short-term rentals.

Ezeala is fast positioning himself as one of the leading voices in the continent’s evolving digital economy.

Under the TMS Group, he is developing custom mobile applications and automation tools designed to help African SMEs improve customer management, payments, workflow efficiency and digital marketing.

He is also integrating artificial intelligence into these solutions, with new tools for business analytics and predictive real estate modelling.

Alongside his tech initiatives, Darvey Ezeala is scaling a luxury short-let business aimed at corporate clients, international travellers and digital professionals. His properties feature high-end interior design, smart automation and concierge-style services.

With plans to expand into Europe, the UAE and the United States, Ezeala says his goal is to build a globally competitive tech ecosystem while mentoring emerging African entrepreneurs.

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President Bola Tinubu on Monday engaged six governors on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in a closed-door session at the State House, Abuja.

The purpose of the meeting was not immediately disclosed, and details of its agenda remained unclear as of press time.

Governors in attendance were those of Jigawa, Umar Namadi; Edo, Monday Okpebholo; Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji; Kogi, Usman Ododo; Sokoto, Aliyu Sokoto; and Kebbi, Dr Nasir Idris, who arrived at the Presidential Villa separately.

The meeting, held in the President’s office, lasted almost two hours.

Although no Presidency official offered insight into the agenda, the consultations come amid rising security concerns across the country and ongoing political engagements within the ruling party.

The governors declined to speak to newsmen when approached for comments.

Tinubu has recently intensified focus on national security by convening a series of high-level meetings involving key security stakeholders, including the service chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as intelligence coordinators and senior officials from various security agencies.

These increased engagements were in response to a worrying upsurge in banditry, kidnappings, and violent crimes that have spread across multiple regions, causing widespread public concern and escalating pressure on the federal government for urgent and effective intervention.

These strategic meetings, frequently conducted in secrecy to ensure confidentiality and candid discussion, were aimed at undertaking a comprehensive review of ongoing security operations nationwide.

Discussions have prioritised enhancing coordination and communication among military, police, and intelligence units to foster a more unified and cohesive response to security challenges.

In addition, the sessions have explored innovative and tactical measures that leverage intelligence gathering, rapid deployment, and community engagement to dismantle criminal networks and restore order.

Throughout these consultations, the President has underscored that safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians was paramount.

He has called on the security apparatus to move beyond reactive measures and instead engage in more preventative, intelligence-driven strategies that anticipate threats before they escalate.

The administration’s renewed approach signalled a commitment to reinforcing national security architecture and improving the operational effectiveness of all agencies involved in the fight against crime and insurgency across Nigeria.

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The Alliance for Sahel States (AES), a regional bloc comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Niger Republic, has accused Nigeria of breaching its airspace after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, involved a C-130 military transport aircraft carrying two crew members and nine passengers, all of whom were military personnel.

In a statement issued by the AES, the bloc explained that the Nigerian aircraft made an emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso, a major city in Burkina Faso’s south-western region, while transiting through Burkinabè airspace.

Authorities in Burkina Faso launched an investigation into the incident, concluding that the aircraft lacked proper authorisation to fly over the country, a violation the AES described as a breach of international aviation norms and national sovereignty.

“This constitutes an infringement of national sovereignty and a breach of international law and international rules governing civil and military aviation,” the AES said in the statement.

The confederation described the incident as an “unfriendly act” and pledged to take steps to reinforce the security of its airspace and ensure the sovereignty of member states.

“Measures have been taken to ensure the security of the Confederation’s airspace, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member states, and the safety of the populations of the AES Confederation,” the bloc stated.

Incident Follows Nigeria’s Role In Foiling Benin Coup

Tensions between Nigeria and the AES have been simmering in recent months and may be reignited by this latest episode. The incident also comes shortly after Nigeria’s military helped foil a coup attempt in neighbouring Benin Republic.

While ECOWAS and Nigeria saw the intervention as necessary to protect democratic order, the AES bloc has viewed it as a hostile move and a continuation of what it describes as external interference.

In January 2025, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing a lack of support in fighting terrorism and opposition to sanctions imposed following military coups in the three nations.

Although ECOWAS later lifted the sanctions and introduced guidelines for economic and civil cooperation, such as visa-free travel and duty-free trade, the AES bloc introduced a 0.5 per cent import levy on ECOWAS member countries in April, signalling deepening division.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

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The Ambassadors for Peace and Progress (APP) has appealed to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, to forgive the five individuals who publicly confessed to running a N500 million smear campaign against him while he was governor of Zamfara State.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, the National Coordinator of the group, Rev. Matthew Adejoh, urged the minister not to allow the painful betrayal to distract him from the critical national assignment entrusted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We followed with deep emotion the courageous confession made by Comrade Aryan Abdul Kareem and his colleagues. Their admission has exposed the depth of political desperation in Zamfara State, but it has also opened a rare door for healing and reconciliation,” Rev. Adejoh said.

Describing Dr. Matawalle as “a peaceful, kind and large-hearted leader who is a friend to everyone,” the cleric appealed to him to extend the same hand of fellowship he has always shown to people of all faiths.

“Dr. Bello Matawalle is known across the North as a man who builds bridges, not walls,” he said. Quoting Colossians 3:13, he added: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

“These young men have fallen on their knees in public and begged for mercy. As believers and as patriots, we plead with His Excellency to forgive them and everyone who was paid to destroy his name.

The bandits ravaging our region do not read sponsored articles — they only respect superior resolve and unity of purpose.”

The Ambassadors praised President Tinubu for appointing Matawalle, saying the elevation was divine recompense for years of wicked blackmail.

“Your enemies spent over half a billion naira to pull you down, yet Allah raised you to the very centre of Nigeria’s war against terror. Let this confession be the final burial of that evil plot,” Rev. Adejoh declared.

While calling on the EFCC, ICPC and security agencies to immediately investigate the allegation that the State funds were used to sponsor media attacks, the group insisted that Dr. Matawalle himself should choose the path of forgiveness.

“Let justice run its full course, but let our dear Minister show the maturity, kindness and large-heartedness that made President Tinubu bring him to Abuja. Forgive them, Your Excellency. Focus all your energy on helping Mr. President end insecurity forever. That is the greatest victory.”

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• A Nigerian lady has publicly announced that she won’t be present at the 2026 edition of ‘The Experience’ event
• ‘The Experience’ is an annual, free, all-night gospel music concert held in Lagos and convened by Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House On The Rock, and attracts a large gathering for worship
• After her unpleasant experience at the 2025 edition, which was held some days ago, the lady decided to boycott the 2026 edition

A lady, known on TikTok as @naijawifeylife1, has declared that she won’t attend ‘The Experience’ event in 2026.

The lady who was at the 2025 edition in Lagos, which was held on Friday, December 5, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), did not enjoy her time at the event and explained why.

A lady says she won’t attend ‘The Experience’ 2026.
Photo Credit: @naijawifeylife1, @theexperiencelagos
Source: TikTok

Why lady wants to boycott ‘The Experience’

In a TikTok post, the lady lamented that the noise at the 2025 edition was too much and distracting, and for this reason, she won’t be at next year’s edition.

Read also

Lady who attended The Experience 2025 concert shares why she won’t attend next year, video trends

She shared a video from the concluded event showing a group of attendees making noise with vuvuzelas. The words overlaid on her video read:

“The reason why I won’t be attending next year’s ‘Experience’ the noise was just too much and distracting.”

She further lamented that she quarrelled with an attendee because of his unpleasant use of a vuvuzela. In her words:

“Gosh! I legit quarrelled with someone because of his insensitive vuvuzuela blo’wing. They legit bought this to torment people.”

Her unpleasant experience and decision sparked mixed reactions on the social media platform.

A lady complains about the noise problem at ‘The Experience’ program in Lagos.
Photo Credit: @theexperiencelagos
Source: Instagram

Watch her video below:

‘The Experience’: Netizens react to lady’s encounter

Legit.ng has compiled some reactions to the lady’s unpleasant experience below:

That_black_girl_💥🦋 said:

“I didn’t attend this year cos of this nonsense!!! I want to go enjoy good sounds and music but these trumpets thing will not allow you so what’s the point? People that are watching online even enjoy it better …. Untill they ban this thing I will not go again.”

Read also

Heated debate trails video of Junior Pope’s widow posing with Mercy Johnson: “She done move on?”

DAiCHE_SHOT 🔥 said:

“Funny how the host does not know you came ! If you like no come thousands go still pull up.”

Darmihdeeva 🥰😌 said:

“I would still go but I discovered that the field behind the stadium is the best with a big screen, good sound, lots of chairs to sit and even very peaceful with less noise.”

CLOTHES VENDOR IN LAGOS 🛍️ said:

“Fr, it was too bad, They need to ban the vuvuzela.”

solobossgadgets3 said:

“Even when they told them to stop blo’wing knockout they didn’t listen ooo.”

ESTIE 🧿👑🦋🌸🧸🍭 said:

“Y’all complaining 🙄 Is it your first time attending Experience? They do this every year.”

itz prebo bliss 101🇧🇪 said:

“If u no like noise no pull body…. Even if u no attend, x1000 are preparing to attend.”

In a related story, Legit.ng reported that ‘The Experience’ 2024 edition had witnessed a large turnout of people.

Read also

Trump airs doubt about Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros.

The Experience 20: Massive turnout at event

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that there was a massive turnout at the 2025 edition of ‘The Experience.’

This year’s edition saw “No Turning Back” hit singer Gaise Baba making his debut appearance. Other Nigerian gospel singers at the event included Frank Edwards, Bidemi Olaoba, Yinka Alaseyori, Moses Bliss, Sinach, Mercy Chinwo, Dunsin Oyekan, among others. They were also joined by international gospel artistes like Travis Greene and Chandler Moore.

The theme for this year was dubbed “Jesus United,” as people joined the event physically and virtually. Videos from the event grounds at Tafawa Balewa Square have shown that worshippers turned up in large numbers.

Source: Legit.ng

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Burkina Faso’s military authorities say they have intercepted a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft and detained 11 Nigerian soldiers on board after accusing the jet of violating the country’s airspace.

In a statement signed by junta leader, Capt. Ibrahim Traoré’s ally and head of state Assimi Goïta on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), the regime said the aircraft was compelled to land on Monday in Bobo Dioulasso following what was described as an “in-flight emergency”.

According to the statement, subsequent checks by Burkinabe security and aviation services revealed that the Nigerian military aircraft had no clearance to enter or fly over Burkina Faso.

“An investigation was immediately opened by the competent Burkinabe services and highlighted the lack of authorisation to fly over Burkinabe territory for this military apparatus,” the statement read in part.

AES Condemns ‘Airspace Violation’

The junta, speaking under the umbrella of the Confederation of Sahel States — made up of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger — described the incident as a grave breach of its sovereignty and international aviation norms.

“The Confederation of the Sahel States most strongly condemns this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member states,” the statement said.

Goïta warned that the AES would no longer tolerate what it called “unfriendly acts” and announced that joint air defence assets within the Sahel confederal space had been placed on maximum alert.

“In this regard, and on the instructions of the Heads of State, the air and anti-aircraft defences of the Confederal space… were authorised to neutralise any aircraft that would violate the confederal space,” the statement added.

Burkinabe authorities have reportedly held the 11 Nigerian soldiers since the aircraft was grounded, as diplomatic and military channels scramble behind the scenes to clarify the circumstances of the mission.

Link to Benin Coup Fallout

The development comes barely 24 hours after Nigerian fighter jets were deployed to Benin Republic to target soldiers involved in a failed coup attempt in Cotonou.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, had explained that President Bola Tinubu approved the use of Nigerian air assets and ground support at the formal request of Beninese authorities.

He said Benin sought Nigerian assistance for surveillance, rapid intervention and precision strikes against fleeing coup plotters, with operations coordinated under Benin’s command.

Reports indicated that Nigerian jets conducted multiple air raids lasting over 30 minutes within Benin’s airspace, targeting armoured vehicles and escape routes allegedly used by the mutinous soldiers.

It remains unclear whether the Nigerian aircraft intercepted over Burkina Faso was part of the same mission or on a separate assignment. Burkina Faso lies northwest of Benin Republic and shares strategic air corridors in the Sahel belt.

ECOWAS vs AES Tensions Deepen

The incident risks further straining already fraught relations between the Confederation of Sahel States and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formally pulled out of ECOWAS in January after a series of coups and prolonged sanctions imposed by the regional bloc. The three juntas later consolidated their alliance by forming the AES and adopting a common security posture.

Following the foiled coup in Benin, ECOWAS announced the activation and deployment of elements of its standby force to support the country’s authorities, a move seen by AES capitals as an assertion of ECOWAS’ security footprint near their borders.

Goïta, in the Burkinabe statement, said the AES had taken “all necessary measures” to safeguard its territorial integrity and protect its citizens, signalling a more aggressive stance towards any foreign military presence near or within its airspace.

As of press time, Abuja had yet to issue an official reaction to the detention of the 11 Nigerian soldiers and the seizure of the NAF aircraft by Burkina Faso’s military regime.

Eleven Nigerian military personnel are currently being held by the Burkinabe military regime in Bobo-Dioulasso, southwest Burkina Faso, after their aircraft conducted an emergency landing while “violating AES airspace”. https://t.co/8hnvWDOc9r pic.twitter.com/B2AgJ9yivV

— Brant (@BrantPhilip_) December 8, 2025

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In the Supreme Court of Nigeria

Holden at Abuja

On Friday, the 11th day of April, 2025

Before Their Lordships

Mohammed Lawal Garba

Adamu Jauro

Jummai Hannatu Sankey

Moore Aseimo Abraham Adumein

Abubakar Sadiq Umar

Justices, Supreme Court

SC.370/2010

Between

PRINCEWILL ODIKANWA                     APPELLANT                    And

CHIEF JOSEPH DIBIANTA IHEANACHO                                    RESPONDENT

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Adamu Jauro, JSC)

Facts

The Respondent instituted the action at the High Court of Imo State against the Appellant, for slander. He alleged that during a vigil held in honour of the Appellant’s late father, the Appellant made the following defamatory statement against him in Igbo language: “Onye wu ahu kporo ya Dibianta. Awum Dibraukwu, Ganu kpo Dibianta Iheanacho bu a rat nga mno ihe oma eme bun ani igbu madu. Obia ngaa na abiala, o ga eji oso gbalaga” which translates to: “Who is that person that calls himself Dibianta? I am Dibiakwu. Go and call Iheanacho to come here. Dibianta Iheanacho is a rat to me; the only thing he knows how to do is to kill people. If he comes here tonight, he will take to his heels.” The Respondent claimed the defamatory statements made in Igbo Language were understood by those present,  and this caused harm to his reputation.

At the trial, the Respondent testified as PW1 and called four additional witnesses. Among them, PW2 and PW3, who also attended the vigil, testified to hearing the slanderous statements, while PW5, a Higher Executive Officer attached to the High Court, Owerri, who was called to testify as a sworn interpreter, interpreted the alleged defamatory words to English language. The Appellant, on his part, denied uttering any defamatory words, asserting that he only preached at the vigil. 

After the conclusion of trial, the trial court found that the Respondent proved his claim and awarded him damages in the sum of N500,000.00. Dissatisfied, the Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal. At the Court of Appeal, the Appellant relied on IBEANU v UBA (1972) 2 ECSLR 194, to argue that the defamatory words must be recorded in the exact language in which they were uttered. In its judgement dismissing the Appeal and affirming the judgement of the trial court, the Court of Appeal held that the uncontroverted testimonies of PW1–PW3, who all heard the said defamatory words and also testified in Igbo language, were sufficient and constituted a valid exception to the rule in IBEANU v UBA (Supra). The Court of Appeal also found that the fact that the Appellant failed to produce the video recording of the vigil despite pleading same, meant that the evidence would have been unfavourable to him, and the Court of Appeal invoked the doctrine of withholding evidence in Section 149(d) [now 167(d)] of the Evidence Act against him.

Displeased, the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination

The Supreme Court adopted the two issues distilled by Counsel for the Appellant, for the determination of the appeal as follows:

i) Whether the Court of Appeal was right in upholding the finding of the trial court, that the Respondent had proved his case of slander against the Appellant. 

ii) Whether the Court of Appeal was right in distinguishing the case of IBEANU v UBA (1972) 2 ECSLR 194 from the present case, on appeal to the Supreme Court.

Arguments

On the 1st issue, Counsel for the Appellant argued that in an action for defamation, it is a requirement of law that the exact words complained of must be proved at trial. Counsel argued that where the defamatory words were not spoken in English, the record of the trial court must record the words used as uttered in their original language during the testimony, and the Plaintiff must prove through a sworn interpreter that the translation pleaded in the Statement of Claim is accurate. Counsel submitted that since the words as pleaded were not in English, the fact that the records of the trial court only contained the English translation of the words meant that the exact defamatory words were not proved at the trial. Counsel also argued that that the Court of Appeal was wrong for invoking Section 167(d) of the Evidence Act against the Appellant, because since the Respondent failed to prove the precise words uttered, there was no need for the Appellant to lead evidence in rebuttal.

On the 2nd issue, Counsel for the Appellant argued that there was no basis for the Court of Appeal to distinguish the facts of the case from the facts in IBEANU v UBA (1972) 2 ECSLR 194. Counsel argued that the only recognised exception to the rule in the IBEANU case is where the Defendant admits the defamatory words, and this is not the case here. 

Responding on issue 1, Counsel for the Respondent argued that both the slanderous words and their English translation were specifically pleaded in the Respondent’s Amended Statement of Claim. Counsel argued that the Respondent, and his two witnesses who attended the vigil, gave consistent testimony establishing the defamatory words as pleaded. Counsel submitted that although Igbo Language is not the official language of the court, the trial court understood the language and properly appreciated the evidence given. 

Similarly, in response to the Appellant’s arguments on issue 2, the Respondent’s Counsel submitted that the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal were right in distinguishing this case from IBEANU v UBA (SUPRA), since the slanderous words were duly pleaded and the witnesses testified in Igbo language.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale

On the 1st issue, the Supreme Court held that in all cases of defamation, whether libel or slander, the onus is on the Plaintiff to prove the defamatory word, and in an action founded on slander, the defamatory words may be proved by pleading the words in a Statement of Claim and establishing same by oral evidence. The Apex Court held further that where slanderous words were uttered in a language other than English Language, whether vernacular or foreign language, what the law requires is that the persons who heard the words understand the language in which they were uttered or published, that the words both in their original form and English translation be set out in the Statement of Claim, and that the meanings of the words in English be proved by an expert sworn interpreter. The Apex Court relied on its earlier decision in ORUWARI v OSLER (2012) LPELR – 19764 (SC).

The Court held that there was no doubt that PW5 who was called by the Respondent at the trial to interpret the alleged defamatory words to English Language, a civil servant who was a Higher Executive Officer attached to the High Court, Owerri as an interpreter, thus, eminently qualified as an expert witness in the circumstance. The Court held further that his interpretation was also materially and substantially the same as the pleadings as contained in the Amended Statement of Claim, and was thus, sufficient proof of the defamatory words.

The Supreme Court also held that contrary to the argument of the Appellant, there is no requirement that the alleged defamatory words must be written in the foreign language/vernacular in the court’s record, in view of the fact that the official language of Nigerian Courts remains the English Language, and it is expected that the trial Judge would record the proceedings in English Language as translated from the original language. The Court held that all that is necessary, is to show that the words were given in evidence in that original language and in the instant case, the record showed that the Respondent as PW1, as well as PW2 and PW3 testified exclusively in Igbo language, and they gave evidence of the slanderous words. This Court held that their testimonies were not disputed by the Appellant, hence, there was no basis to hold that the slanderous words were not proved.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court held that the lower court rightly relied on the case of TOURNIER v NATIONAL PROVINCIAL AND UNION BANK OF ENGLAND (1924) 1 KB 461, in which the Court of Appeal of England and Wales held that in an action for slander, it is not necessary for the Plaintiff to prove the exact words as pleaded in the statement of claim, and it suffices if he proves the substance of the slanderous words pleaded. The Apex Court held that the crucial requirement is for the pleadings and evidence of the Plaintiff’s witness to support the claim that the defamatory/slanderous words were made, hence, the Plaintiff must discharge the burden placed on him by law of proving that the Defendant made a false defamatory statement about him which was communicated to a third party and caused the Plaintiff harm. 

The Supreme Court held that the lower courts were right to have accepted the uncontroverted evidence of the Respondent which showed that, since the publication of the slanderous words, the Respondent no longer commanded the public respect he used to have and that his clientele as a traditional healer had considerably diminished. The Apex Court further held that by virtue of Section 133(1) and (2) of the Evidence Act, the Respondent having successfully discharged the burden of proving his claim on the balance of probabilities, the onus shifted to the Appellant to adduce contrary evidence to rebut the evidence led by the Respondent; however all the Appellant could offer were bare assertions which were not proved by evidence. The Court held that this was more so as the Appellant failed to tender the video recording of the vigil despite asserting in his pleadings that he would tender the same and the Court of Appeal rightly invoked the presumption of withholding evidence as contained in Section 149(d) of the Evidence Act against the Appellant.  

On the 2nd issue as to whether the Court of Appeal was right to have distinguished the case of IBEANU v UBA (1972) 2 ECSLR 194 from the present case, the Supreme Court held that the doctrine of stare decisis or judicial precedent which postulates that where the facts in a subsequent case are similar or close to facts in an earlier case that has been decided by the same court or a higher court, judicial pronouncements in the earlier case are utilised to govern and determine the decision in the subsequent case, only mandates lower courts to abide by the decisions of higher courts and not the other way round. The Court held that by the hierarchy of courts created by the Constitution, the East Central State High Court which decided the IBEANU case is lower in hierarchy and subordinate to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. The Court held that thus, the decision in the IBEANU case rendered by the East Central State High Court was not binding on the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court, and the question whether the Court of Appeal was right to distinguish the facts of this case from the decision in the IBEANU case is of no moment.  

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation

A. I. Nwachukwu for the Appellant.

O. D. Atoyebi for the Respondent.

Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

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An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, presided over by Justice Ladiran Akintola, has struck out the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from a suit challenging the eligibility of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to conduct its elective convention in the Oyo State capital.

The decision followed INEC’s objection, in which the Commission argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, insisting that as a federal agency, it can only be sued before the Federal High Court.

The Commission subsequently prayed the court to strike out its name from the suit.

Justice Akintola upheld the objection and ruled that INEC be removed from the case on the grounds that it is not subject to the jurisdiction of a state high court.

However, he retained the remaining defendants, including the PDP, a party member, Folahan Malomo, and the chairman of the PDP zonal committee, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. The acting national chairman of the party, Umar Damagun, also remains a defendant.

The matter has been adjourned to January 26, 2026, for further hearing.

Speaking after the ruling, counsel to the claimant, Musbau Adetunmbi (SAN), said INEC’s objection having been upheld, the case would now proceed against the remaining defendants.

Similarly, the PDP’s Oyo State legal adviser, Dapo Durosharan, confirmed that proceedings will continue on the adjourned date.

At its previous sitting on November 14, the court had reserved ruling on a preliminary objection challenging its jurisdiction in the suit filed by PDP member Folahan Adelabi regarding the party’s national convention held on November 15 and 16, 2025, in Ibadan.

The convention went ahead as directed by the court and produced the Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Executive Committee.

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