News of the People to pay Governor Oshiomole N25m over libelous story

A Federal High Court siting in Benin has awarded Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, N25million as damages in a libel suit the governor filed against Docklands Communication and one Loye Amzat, publishers and editor of the News of the People Magazine.

Governor Oshiomhole had dragged the paper to court demanding for N250million as damages over a report with the headline, ‘Oshiomhole’s sex power exposed: Impregnates young girl six months after death of wife.”

In his evidence, Governor Oshiomhole had told the court that the publication dented his hard-earned image and personality and that the defendant, among other things falsely wrote that he bought the said girl a Sport UtilityVehicle (SUV) and interfered in the academic activities of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, on behalf of the girl.

The governor also told the court that he demanded damages because the said publication caused him and his children psychological trauma, six months after the death of his wife.

In his judgment, the trial Judge, Justice Efe Ikponmwen, also ordered the defendant to publish a well-worded retraction and apology in a similarly conspicous manner in an edition of the magazine.

He held that the governor’s evidence proved that the magazine’s publication was libellous.

Besides, Justice Ikponmwen noted that even though the people possess the right to know about public officers, such information should be in line with the law and must not be in bad faith.