Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has initiated legal action against former Information Commissioner and lawyer, Hon. Barr. Eze Chikamnayo, seeking N100 billion in damages over alleged defamatory posts on Facebook.
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The governor, through his counsel, Dr. Sonny Ajala (SAN) of Deeplaw Associates, accused Chikamnayo of repeatedly posting false and malicious statements between August and September 2025, including referring to Otti as “Otthief” and calling him a “confirmed criminal and congenital liar = looting governor.” Ajala described the publications as having “brutally destroyed” Otti’s reputation and causing him mental torture, depression, and public denigration.
In a formal demand letter dated October 2, 2025, Governor Otti requested a full retraction of the posts, a public apology on Facebook and in four national newspapers, and a written undertaking from Chikamnayo to desist from further defamatory statements. Ajala warned that if these demands are not met within seven days, legal proceedings will commence to enforce them.
Notably, Otti has opted for a civil course of action rather than pursuing criminal charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act 2025, a move that legal observers have praised as respecting free speech while protecting personal reputation.
Commenting on the matter, legal practitioner Sir Nkem Okoro, Esq., stated: “It is glaring that the alleged publications were made with the sole intention of defaming and ridiculing Governor Otti. The words used were harsh, rude, and inherently defamatory. Given that they were made by a lawyer who should know better, it is fortunate that Dr. Otti has chosen the civil route rather than criminal prosecution under the Cybercrime Act. A timely apology would be the wisest course of action for Chikamnayo.”
Governor Otti, a former banker and ex-CEO of Diamond Bank, continues to maintain his reputation as a respected public figure while pursuing this civil remedy, reinforcing the principle that victims of defamation can seek redress through the courts without resorting to criminal measures.
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