Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has formally ordered the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to appear in court over a ₦40 billion defamation lawsuit filed against him by prominent businessman and former Rivers State APC governorship candidate, Tonye Patrick Cole. The court’s directive, delivered by Justice M.A. Hassan, underscores the seriousness of the legal action and sets the stage for a high-profile courtroom battle expected to attract nationwide attention.
Cole instituted the suit in response to comments he alleges Wike made during a live television interview, which he claims were false, malicious, and injurious to his reputation. According to court filings, Cole asserts that Wike’s statements were not only politically motivated but intended to cast doubt on his integrity and professional standing, thereby inflicting substantial reputational damage. The suit also names Channels Television as a co-defendant, arguing that the station played a role in disseminating the purportedly defamatory remarks to a national audience.
In the judgment, Justice Hassan directed the defendants to enter appearance within 21 days, with the case scheduled for mention on December 9, 2025. Legal observers note that the early timeline indicates the court’s intention to ensure that proceedings commence without unnecessary delay, reflecting the magnitude of the claims and the high-profile nature of the parties involved.
The suit seeks a range of remedies, including the ₦40 billion in damages claimed for defamation, as well as a public retraction and apology from both Wike and Channels Television. Analysts suggest that the size of the claim highlights the significant financial and reputational stakes involved, emphasizing that the outcome could have implications for political discourse and media accountability in Nigeria.
Sources familiar with the case explain that Cole, who previously contested the Rivers State governorship under the APC platform, feels that the alleged defamatory remarks have affected his political ambitions and business interests. By seeking legal redress, he is signalling a willingness to challenge prominent figures in the public sphere and reinforce the principle that individuals, regardless of position, must be held accountable for statements that can harm another person’s reputation.
Political analysts also point out that the lawsuit occurs against a backdrop of heightened political rivalry in Rivers State and beyond. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and current FCT Minister, is a dominant figure in the Nigerian political landscape, while Cole is an influential businessman with political influence in the region. The case is therefore expected to draw intense scrutiny from both political observers and media outlets.
Legal experts say the matter will likely probe critical issues related to freedom of speech, the role of the media in broadcasting political commentary, and the protection of individual reputations under Nigerian law. The inclusion of Channels Television as a co-defendant further underscores the intersection of media responsibility and defamation law, raising questions about the limits of reporting and commentary on public figures.
As the court date approaches, attention will focus on the evidence to be presented, including transcripts of the television interview, witness testimonies, and documentation of alleged reputational harm. Both parties are expected to mount vigorous legal arguments, with Cole seeking to demonstrate the falsity and malicious intent of Wike’s statements, while the defense may challenge the characterization of the remarks as defamatory.
The summons of Minister Wike marks the beginning of what is expected to be a closely watched legal proceeding, not only for the high-profile individuals involved but also for its potential impact on political discourse, media ethics, and defamation jurisprudence in Nigeria.
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