Judy Austin Sues Rita Edochie for N1bn Over Alleged Defamation

By Emmanuel Daniji

Nollywood actress Judy Austin has instituted a defamation suit against veteran actress Rita Edochie before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, demanding N1 billion in damages.

Austin disclosed the development in a post on her verified Instagram account, where she shared a copy of the writ of summons filed before the court.

The suit identifies Austin as the claimant and Edochie as the defendant.

According to the court document, Austin is seeking N1 billion in general damages over what she described as defamatory statements allegedly made by Edochie.

The writ states: “The sum of N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira) only, as general damages for defamation.”

Austin is also asking the court to order Edochie to publish a full and unreserved retraction and apology in at least two widely circulated national newspapers.

She is further seeking an order requiring Edochie to publish the retraction and apology on her social media platforms.

The actress is asking the court for a perpetual injunction restraining Edochie, her agents and privies from allegedly publishing or circulating further statements that Austin considers defamatory.

Austin is also seeking an order directing Edochie to remove the alleged defamatory statements from all her online platforms.

In addition to the N1 billion claim, Austin is demanding N50 million as the cost of prosecuting the case.

She is also asking for 10 per cent post-judgment interest on any judgment sum until it is fully paid.

The suit was filed by Austin’s legal representatives, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Anozie Obinnaya Obi, alongside other lawyers.

Austin accompanied the court document shared on Instagram with the words: “Enough is enough!”

The writ requires Edochie to enter an appearance before the court within the period specified in the document after it is served on her.

The allegations contained in the suit are yet to be determined by the court, and the case remains ongoing.

Both actresses are prominent figures in Nollywood, while Edochie has been publicly vocal on matters concerning Austin and actor Yul Edochie, whom Austin married.

The latest legal action could now move the long-running public exchanges between the actresses from social media and public commentary into the courtroom.