An interlocutory injunction prohibiting former Abia State Commissioner for Information Barr. Eze Chikamnayo from making or publishing allegedly defamatory remarks against Governor Alex Chioma Otti has been granted by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), pending the outcome of the governor’s ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit.
In a ruling on Thursday, Justice J.E. Obanor ordered Chikamnayo to refrain from “writing, authoring, sharing, circulating, broadcasting, voicing, forwarding and/or syndicating” any defamatory content against the claimant on his Facebook wall, Iyierioba Chikamnayo, or on any other social or digital media platforms, including X, Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp, and TikTok, as well as traditional media like newspapers, radio, and television, while the substantive suit is still pending.
“Having carefully considered the application and all the processes before the Court, and there being no process challenging the same, I am satisfied as to the need to grant the interlocutory order sought,” the judge declared. This grants Motion No. M/15807/2025, and while the substantive suit is being decided, the orders are made in accordance with the prayers.
The judge postponed the hearing to January 19, 2026.
The decision came after Governor Otti’s legal team, led by Dr. Sonny Ajala, SAN, filed a petition on notice alleging that Chikamnayo had continued to post inflammatory materials against the governor even after being served with court procedures on October 17, 2025.
After receiving the originating processes in the lawsuit, Chikamnayo allegedly posted a number of messages on his Facebook page between October 17 and October 31, 2025, according to court filings. The governor was purportedly disparaged in a few of the posts.
The governor’s legal team claimed in an affidavit supporting the motion, which was deposed to by Ifeanyi Michael Agbo, practice manager at Deeplaw Associates, that the defendant—described as a lawyer—continued to publish derogatory materials against the claimant even after learning of the ongoing lawsuit.
The affidavit further claimed that the disclosures were meant to harm the governor’s reputation and foment public animosity.
Otti’s attorney said in a written statement that accompanied the motion that the ongoing publishing went against the sub judice concept, which forbids acts or remarks that could prejudice cases that are still pending in court.
Additionally, Dr. Ajala argued that the behavior in question violated Rule 30 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023, which prohibits attorneys from engaging in activities that could impede or negatively impact the administration of justice.
The demand letter of October 2, 2025, which called for the retraction of the allegedly defamatory publications, was followed by the substantive suit, which was filed on October 8, 2025. The defendant was accused of failing to comply with the letter within the allotted seven days.
Governor Otti is suing for a declaration that the purportedly malicious and fraudulent disclosures have seriously damaged his position, goodwill, and character. In addition, he is seeking ₦100 billion in damages for emotional, psychological, and reputational harm.
In addition, the governor is requesting that the court order the defendant to submit an unconditional apology for publication on his Facebook page and in a few national media, as well as a perpetual injunction prohibiting future defamatory writings and ₦250 million in costs.
Prior to this, on October 16, 2025, the court was informed that Chikamnayo could be reached via his phone, WhatsApp number, and Facebook wall. As a result, Justice Obanor granted permission to serve court proceedings on Chikamnayo through these alternate channels.
In order to avoid having a judgment entered in his absence, the defendant was required to make an appearance within 30 days of delivery.
