Further hearing on N1.5 billion defamation suit filed by a senior lawyer, Adekunle Babatunde Ogunba (SAN) against This Day newspaper and one of its editors, Mrs Onikepo Braithwaite, has been adjourned to March 10, 2026.
The presiding judge, Justice Rosul Olukolu fixed the adjourned date to enable the second defendant in the suit, Mrs Onikepo Braithwaite, filed her response to the suit.
Ogunba SAN has instituted the suit marked LD/5358CMW/2025, against the defendants for allegedly defamed accusing them of publishing defamatory statements that damaged his reputation and character.
The senior lawyer had alleged that a ThisDay publication of August 19, 2025, titled: “Kepco, Ogunba and Jankara Tactics”, portrayed him in a false and damaging manner.
Ogunba claims the report caused him “continuous and irreparable harm” to his professional standing, personal reputation and overall goodwill, adding that he has suffered significant distress and public embarrassment as a result.
The SAN is asking the court to declare the publication false, malicious and defamatory.
He is also seeking an order compelling the newspaper and its editor to issue a public apology in the same platforms where the article appeared, as well as in at least four national newspapers with nationwide circulation.
Additionally, he is requesting a mandatory injunction restraining the defendants from making any further “unfounded, untrue and malicious” statements about him, alongside N1 billion in general damages and N500 million in exemplary damages.
He is also seeking the cost of the legal action.
At the resumed hearing of the matter on Monday, the senior lawyer was represented by the of U. D. Ogbonna and T. E. Oyefeso, while there was no legal representation for the defendants.
The day’s proceedings, Ogbonna informed the Court that on the last adjourned date the Court gave an order that the originating processes be served on the second defendant by substituted means.
He also told the Court that same has been done and the proof of service is in the Court’s file. Adding that the service as we served same at the last known address and also published same in the newspaper in compliance with the order of the Court.
However, the judge observed that the defendants are still within time to respond, as 42 days is yet to lapse.
Justice Olukolu consequently adjourned the matter was adjourned to March 10, 2026, for mention.
