Lawmaker Initiates N1 Billion Defamation Case Against Benue Governor and Aides
Hon. Terseer Ugbor, the representative for Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, has filed a defamation lawsuit for N1 billion against Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, along with his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, and media aide Isaac Uzaan. The case was submitted to the Benue State High Court in Makurdi.
In the suit, designated MHC/422/2024, Ugbor is requesting a court order to remove all defamatory posts made by the governor and his aides on social media. He also demands a retraction of the statements and a public apology, which should be published in at least five national newspapers and on social media platforms.
Additionally, the lawmaker seeks a permanent injunction to prevent the defendants from further defaming him.
In his statement, Ugbor expressed his commitment to his constituents and noted that he had previously written to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on multiple occasions, requesting support for victims of herdsmen attacks in his constituency. After a prolonged wait for assistance, he finally received relief materials from NEMA, which he arranged to store safely for later distribution.
While attending to national matters in the United States, Ugbor reported that Governor Alia confiscated the vehicle carrying these relief supplies. Following this, Uzaan published a post on Facebook containing defamatory remarks, while Kula issued a press statement accusing Ugbor of diverting relief materials, further damaging his reputation.
The lawmaker has also cited a video released by Governor Alia on social media, in which he made derogatory comments about Ugbor, alleging misappropriation of funds meant for internally displaced persons.
Ugbor is demanding N1 billion in damages for the harm to his character and reputation, among other legal remedies. A hearing date for the case has yet to be established.
