A court of Appeal setting in Asaba Delta state has upheld and affirmed the judgement of Warri High Court in suit No. W/76/ 2018. Which awarded five Million Naira compensation in a case of libel in favor of justice Godwin Ejaeta Gbemre (rtd) in Delta State.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
The Appeal Court in Asaba gave the Respondent an extra cost of Six Hundred Thousand (#600,000.00) Naira to be paid.
It will be noted that the Warri High Court’s sitting judge, Hon. Justice Roli Daibo Harriman, rendered a decision on Friday, May 8, 2020.
Pursuant to a suit No W/76/2018. Filed by Justice Godwin Ejaeta Gbemre against Mr Zik Gbemre for libel and defamation of character.
According to the court, the defendant made it abundantly evident via his pleadings, evidence, and submitted documents that he was motivated by malice. At every point, he intimidated (blackmailed) the claimant. The accuser was persistent.
He was committed to eliminating the claimant’s perceived ability to have an impact on other people. His actions were motivated by his ambition to run the affairs of his town, and he was willing to ruin everyone and everything in his way to get there, even if it meant damaging his first cousin’s image and professional future.
Consequently the claimant is entitled to judgement as follows :-
(a) The defendant is to write a letter of apology to the claimant thru his counsel within 14 day’s hereof.
(b) The defendant is to publish a retraction of his offending publication and his apology by filling same at the Registry of the high Court of Justice, Warri Judicial Division within 14 days hereof.
(c) The sum of N5. 000.000.00 (Five Million Naira) Only as compensation to the claimant.
(d) Cost of N50, 000. 00 (Fifty Thousand Naira Only in the judgement of 8th May 2020.
But now with the appeal in favour of Justice Godwin Ejaeta Gbemre a total sum of Five Million Six hundred and fifty thousand Naira only is awarded jointly by the two court.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
