Nigerian couple bring High Court defamation action over Facebook videos

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Nigerian politician Oluseye Oladejo and his wife, Dr Oluwatoyin Oladejo, brought High Court proceedings alleging that Kudirat Adunni Alowonle defamed them in Facebook videos. The proceedings were reported on 19 July 2023.

The couple claimed that, shortly after their marriage in Lagos in June, Ms Alowonle defamed them in live shows broadcast on her Facebook page. In a sworn statement, Dr Oladejo alleged that the broadcasts contained false statements and serious defamatory allegations, which had damaged her and her husband’s reputations.

The plaintiffs sought orders including an injunction directing Ms Alowonle to remove the allegedly defamatory videos, a prohibition on further allegedly defamatory publications, a correction and a list of third parties with whom the posts were shared. They also sought damages, including aggravated damages, for alleged defamation and emotional distress.

On 19 July 2023, Mr Justice Brian O’Moore granted the plaintiffs permission, on an ex parte basis, to serve short notice of the proceedings on Ms Alowonle. The case was due to return before the court the following week.

This case may have concluded differently. The outcome has not yet been confirmed by a public source we could find.