Court Awards 20 Million Damages to Kenneth Ahia, SAN in Defamation Suit - But He Heads to Appeal, Says It's Not Enough

... High Court rules in favour of Kenneth Ahia, SAN, orders public apology and 500,000 cost payment - yet the Senior Advocate insists on appealing the judgment for higher compensation.

The long-standing defamation suit between Kenneth Ahia, SAN, and Ikechukwu Iroha Agwu has finally reached judgment - but the legal drama is far from over.

In a verdict delivered by the High Court, the court ruled in favour of Ahia, awarding him 20 million as damages for the defamatory content published against him. The court also ordered 500,000 to cover the cost of litigation and directed Ikechukwu Iroha to tender a public apology to Kenneth Ahia, SAN for the injury caused to his reputation.

The decision comes months after heated court sessions during which the defendant, Iroha, under cross-examination, admitted to creating and sharing defamatory materials, including a viral video mocking Ahia.

However, speaking exclusively to All Facts Newspaper after the judgment, Kenneth Ahia, SAN, expressed gratitude for the court's ruling but disclosed his intention to appeal the decision.

"I appreciate the court for a fair judgment and for recognizing the damage done to my person and reputation,ÔÇØ he said. "However, the cost awarded does not adequately compensate the injury inflicted on me, so I will be appealing for a higher damage cost.ÔÇØ

Legal observers say the appeal could further test the boundaries of Nigeria's defamation laws, particularly in the age of social media, where digital slander has become increasingly common.

This ruling, however, reinforces judicial recognition of the reputation rights of public figures, particularly legal practitioners, in cases of malicious publication and online defamation.

With the case now moving to the Court of Appeal, attention will shift to whether the appellate judges will uphold or adjust the compensation awarded by the lower court.