A Lagos State High Court has convicted a former Deputy Transition Committee Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area, Mr. Ikechukwu Iroha, for defaming the character of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Kenneth C. Ahia.
In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, Hon. Justice O. A. Ipaye found Iroha guilty of publishing false and malicious statements against the renowned lawyer on Facebook and Sahara Reporters in July 2023.
The court ruled that the publications, which alleged “Payment of Legal Fees Through Contract Award,” were designed to injure Ahia’s professional reputation.
Justice Ipaye awarded ₦20 million in damages to Mr. Ahia and ordered Iroha to immediately publish a retraction and an unreserved apology in a national daily and on Sahara Reporters. The defendant was also directed to remove all defamatory content from online platforms.
The judgment reinforces the legal consequences of using social media for character assassination.
