A former militant leader, Eshanekpe Israel, aka Akpodoro, has sued one Mr. Osiorigho Josiah, Delta Broadcasting Service and Delta Rainbow Television (DRTV) Warri for granting interviews and broadcasting same to the public, an interview he claimed was damaging to his person. He is claiming one billion naira as sum for damages.
The suit HCG/53/2023 was instituted in the High Court of Justice, in the Otu-Jeremi Judicial Division on 10th August, 2023. In the suit, Mr. Eshenekpe is the claimant, while Josiah, DRTV and Delta Broadcasting Service are the defendants. The 1st defendant, Mr. Josiah, is said to be the vice president general, now acting president general of Gbaregolor community in Ughelli south local government area of Delta state.
The claimant, a native of Gbaregolor, a community in Ughelli south local government area who also is the Mayor of Urhobo land, in the suit, said on the 28th day of July, the 1st defendant falsely and maliciously granted an interview to the 2nd defendant in the presence of all Gbaregolor community where he libelously referred to him as a criminal, ex-convict, and that he connived with Nigeria police in Bomadi and Otu-Jeremi to kill and shoot women.
According to the plaintiff, the said words were also published by the 2nd and 3rd defendants who on July 3oth broadcast same to the entire people of Delta state through the Delta Rainbow Television (DRTV) main news at 7.04pm and Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri.
He interpreted the words to mean the claimant is a criminal, a person not fit to live with people in society, saying the consequence of such offense if found guilty could be sentenced to imprisonment or death sentence, hence he is not a person to be associated with by people of good character.
He said by these words, he has been greatly injured in his character, credit and reputation and has brought him scandal and reputation. He has also lost people he does business with as many have abandoned him.
In a suit filed by Reginald O. Asiuwhu Esq, of Reginald O. Asiuwhu and Co based in Ugborikoko, Effurun, the claimant is demanding against the defendants the sum of one billion naira being reparation for damages and a full and unqualified apology to the claimant and a retraction of the said libelous publications which should be published in two national dailies and the state newspaper.
The statement on oath further stated that the claimant shall rely on video, pictures taken during the conferment of the said title during the trial of this case. According to the statement on oath, “the said videos and pictures are hereby pleaded.
