FCT High Court Grants Governor Alex Otti Leave to Serve ₦100 Billion Defamation Suit on Eze Chikamnayo via Facebook and WhatsApp

In a landmark ruling that underscores the evolving role of digital platforms in modern legal proceedings, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has authorized Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, to serve court documents in his ₦100 billion defamation suit against former Commissioner for Information, Eze Chikamnayo, through social media channels, “Facebook” and “WhatsApp”.

Delivering the ruling on October 16, 2025, Justice J.E. Obanor granted Governor Otti’s request for substituted service, noting that the defendant, Chikamnayo, had consistently utilized the same online platforms to circulate allegedly libelous materials against the governor.

The court consequently ordered that all originating processes and related court documents be served through Chikamnayo’s verified Facebook page, “Iyierioba Chikamnayo,” and his registered WhatsApp contact, deeming the digital service as legally valid and enforceable. The matter was adjourned to January 19, 2026, for further hearing.

Governor Otti, through his counsel Dr. Sonny Ajala (SAN), instituted the suit on October 8, 2025, accusing the former commissioner of publishing a series of malicious and false statements on social media between July and September 2025, which allegedly damaged the governor’s personal and official reputation.

One of the cited posts, published on September 22, 2025, reportedly referred to the governor in highly derogatory terms, prompting the legal action. The governor’s legal team maintains that such publications were calculated to tarnish his image and mislead the public about his integrity and leadership record.

According to the filed claims, Governor Otti is seeking ₦100 billion as general damages for defamation, an additional ₦250 million as legal costs, and a court order compelling Chikamnayo to issue a public apology to be published in four national newspapers including ThisDay, The Nation, The Punch, and The National Ambassador.

The suit also prays for a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from making or sharing any further defamatory publications about the governor, whether directly or through any proxy platforms.

The court further directed that Chikamnayo must file his response within 30 days of being served, warning that failure to comply could result in a default judgment in favour of the claimant.

Before approaching the court, Governor Otti’s legal representatives had, on October 2, 2025, issued a formal demand letter to Chikamnayo, requesting an immediate retraction and public apology for the alleged defamatory posts. However, the former commissioner reportedly ignored the letter, prompting the commencement of formal legal proceedings.

The case has since drawn attention across political and legal circles, as it marks one of the first major defamation suits in Nigeria to be served entirely through digital media, highlighting the judiciary’s adaptation to contemporary modes of communication in the digital era.