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Anenih Loses N500m Libel Suit Against Oshiomhole’s Aide, TV Station

Published

11 years ago

on

An Edo State High Court
sitting in Benin City has dismissed a N500 million libel suit instituted by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Tony Anenih against the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor and the Edo State Broadcasting Service (EBS).
In a judgment delivered by Justice U.I Erameh in consolidated Suits Nos: B/285/2010 & B/366/2010 between Chief Tony Anenih (CFR) as Claimant and Mr Peter Okhiria (Chief Press Secretray to Edo State Governor), Edo Broadcasting Corporation and Bendel Newspaper Company Limited who are the Defendants, the court refused the prayers of Chief Anenih who claimed that a Press release issued on behalf of the State Government in 2010 was libelous and therefore refused the prayer for N500 million damages, among others.
Chief Anenih had sued the defendants, claiming that a Press release issued on behalf of the Government by the Chief Press Secretary libeled him and sought N500 million in damages.
Justice Erameh in her judgment held that the defence of privileged ocassion availed the first defendant (Peter Okhiria, Chief Press Secretary) on the ground that he acted on the instruction of the Chief Security Officer of the State, (the Governor) to educate and inform the public on security happenings in the state and that such statement was made by the Chief Press Secretary in his official capacity as the spokesman of the government of Edo State and as such he could not be held liable for libel because statements made on privileged occasion are a defence to libel.
Defendant (Bendel Newspaper Company Limited). However, Bendel Newspaper Publishing Company had sought to defend the suit before the judgment by filing all the necessary court processes but his Lordship refused the application to defend the suit on merit on the ground that they failed to enter appearance timeously.
The State Solicitor-General, Wole Iyamu esq said Bendel Newspaper has already filed a notice of appeal and stay of execution against the said judgment as it concerns Bendel Newspaper Limited.
The Court awarded N50,000 cost against Chief Tony Anenih in favour of the Chief Press Secretary and Edo Broadcasting Service.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor was represented by Stanley Omeike Imhanruor Esq, of Femi Falana (SAN) Chambers while Edo Brodcasting Service was represented by O.A Otamere, Esq. Chief Tony Anenih was represented by Chief Alfred Eghobamien (SAN).

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Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks ago

on

September 12, 2025

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The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.
Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.
Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.
He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.
In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.
“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.
Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.
The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.
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Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

on

September 12, 2025

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The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.
Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.
He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.
“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.
“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.
“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.
The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.
Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.
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Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

2 weeks ago

on

September 12, 2025

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The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.
The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.
The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.
Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.
The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.
Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.
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