A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has ordered that a ₦40 billion defamation suit filed against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, be served through substituted means. The directive came from Justice M. A. Hassan, who granted the request after attempts to serve the minister personally were unsuccessful.
The suit was initiated by former Rivers State governorship candidate Tonye Cole, who is challenging remarks made by Wike during a September 18 appearance on the television programme Politics Today.
Cole argues that the comments, aired on Channels Television, were false, malicious, and harmful to his reputation, particularly regarding allegations tied to Rivers State gas projects and the Olympia Hotel.
Cole’s counsel, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), told the court that the broadcast portrayed his client as dishonest, causing significant reputational harm both in Nigeria and abroad.
In addition to seeking ₦40 billion in damages and ₦500 million in litigation costs, Cole is asking the court to declare the statements defamatory, compel their retraction, and mandate public apologies on broadcast and print platforms. He also seeks an order preventing Wike and Channels Television from issuing further defamatory remarks.
Justice Hassan directed that the court documents, including the writ of summons and hearing notices, be pasted at the gate of the FCT Minister’s office in Garki, Abuja.
The defendants have been given 21 days from the date of service to enter an appearance. The matter has been scheduled for hearing on March 24 and 25, 2026.
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