Absence of defence counsel stalls Chris Anyanwu’s ‘defamation’ suit against Ohakim

The absence of legal counsel for Ikedi Ohakim, former governor of Imo state, has stalled proceedings in the defamation suit brought against him by former senator Chris Anyanwu.

At the resumption of hearing on Thursday at the federal capital territory (FCT) high court, no lawyer appeared on behalf of the former governor.

Adekunle Kosoko, counsel to Anyanwu, informed the court that he had received a letter from the chambers of U.C. Njemanze-Aku at about 4:35 pm on Wednesday.

The letter explained that the principal counsel, Ken Njemanze, was still unwell and unable to attend.

Justice M.I. Sani, the presiding judge, confirmed that the court also received the same letter.

He, however, questioned why the defence team failed to send a representative, despite the presence of witnesses who were supposed to testify.

Kosoko urged the court to order that the matter proceed on the next adjourned date regardless of the availability of the defence’s lead counsel, citing undue delay in the trial process.

In his ruling, the judge adjourned the case to October 23, 2025, and directed that the trial will commence — and possibly conclude — on that date.

He further ordered the plaintiff’s counsel to serve a hearing notice on the second defendant in the suit, Vintage Press Limited.

THE SUIT

According to court documents, Anyanwu alleged that Ohakim made defamatory statements about her during an interview published by The Nation on January 12, 2025.

The former senator described the comments as “false and damaging”, adding that she promptly issued a press statement to refute the claims and, through her solicitors, demanded a public retraction from Ohakim.

Subsequently, The Nation apologised to the former senator over the publication.

Anyanwu filed the defamation suit on March 14, 2025. The case was first mentioned on May 6 and scheduled to begin trial on Tuesday, June 17.

TUESDAY’S COURT PROCEEDINGS 

During the hearing on Tuesday, Anyanwu was represented by Kosoko, while U.C. Njemanze-Aku appeared for Ohakim.

Kosoko informed the court that he was ready to proceed and had witnesses present, including one who travelled from Lagos.

However, the defence counsel requested a short adjournment due to the lead counsel’s ill-health.

Objecting, Kosoko argued that the defence had been in possession of the witness statements for over a month and should have been prepared to proceed with cross-examination.

He prayed the court to award costs should the adjournment be granted, citing expenses incurred in bringing the witness to court.

In response, Njemanze-Aku explained that her principal (lead counsel) was scheduled to attend but was “indisposed”.

While the witness could give evidence-in-chief, she still sought an adjournment to allow the lead counsel to personally cross-examine the witness.

Following arguments from both sides, the presiding judge granted a short adjournment to June 19 with no cost was awarded.