Actress Judy Austin-Yul-Edochie has filed a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit against veteran actress Rita Edochie at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, over alleged defamatory statements.
The suit, identified as SUMO/A/2990/26, seeks ₦1 billion in general damages from Rita Edochie for alleged defamation, according to the writ of summons filed by Judy Austin’s legal team.
In the suit, Judy Austin is also asking the court to compel Rita Edochie to publish a full, unreserved retraction and apology in at least two widely circulated national newspapers and on all her social media platforms.
She is further seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining Rita Edochie, her agents and privies from further publishing or circulating the alleged defamatory statements against her.
The claimant is also asking the court to direct the defendant to remove the alleged defamatory statements from all her online platforms.
In addition, Judy Austin is demanding ₦50 million as the cost of prosecuting the suit, as well as 10 per cent post-judgment interest from the date of judgment until the judgment sum is fully liquidated.
The writ, issued at the instance of Judy Austin’s counsel, Anozie Obinnaya Obi of Rubicom Legal Partners, was directed to be served on Rita Edochie in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The court document gives the defendant 30 days from the date of service, inclusive of the day of service, to enter an appearance or risk the claimant proceeding with the case and seeking judgment in her absence.
The suit centres on statements allegedly made and circulated by Rita Edochie which Judy Austin contends are defamatory and damaging to her reputation.
The court is yet to determine the substantive claims in the matter.
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