DELTA HIGH COURT AWARDS N30M DAMAGES AGAINST ICIR, REPORTER FOR DEFAMING FORMER NIMASA DG
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Delta State High Court in Bomadi has awarded N30 million in damages against the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) and one of its reporters, Isaac Markson, for a defamatory publication against former Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi.
Justice S.O. Adolor ruled that the story titled “The hidden truth that led to the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community,” published on April 13, 2024, was malicious and ordered the defendants to retract the publication and issue a public apology in three national newspapers as well as on the ICIR website. The court also restrained them from making further defamatory statements against Akpobolokemi.
Akpobolokemi had sued over the report, which linked him to the deployment of soldiers to Okuama and suggested that he used his influence to skew military intervention in favour of his community, Okoloba. The publication implied that his alleged role contributed to the deaths of 17 soldiers, allegations he insisted were false and damaging to his reputation.
The defendants had challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the publication was online and that it was not proven to have been accessed in Delta State. Justice Adolor dismissed the objection, holding that online publications are deemed to be published wherever they are accessed. The court relied on testimony from two witnesses who confirmed reading the story in Bomadi and stated that it negatively affected their perception of the claimant.
On the merits, the court found that the ICIR report went beyond fair reportage and amounted to defamation, as the allegations were presented as facts without verification. Justice Adolor held that imputing criminal complicity without arrest, prosecution, or conviction constitutes defamation. The defendants’ claims of justification, fair comment, qualified privilege, and responsible journalism were all rejected due to malice and failure to verify the allegations.
While litigation costs were not awarded, the court granted substantial reliefs in Akpobolokemi’s favour, including N30 million in damages, the retraction of the publication, and a public apology to be issued within seven days. Post-judgment interest will accrue at the prevailing Central Bank of Nigeria rate until the judgment sum is fully paid.
The judge noted that the case demonstrated that online publications do not grant immunity, and that journalists and media houses are bound by rules of accuracy, fairness, and responsibility.
Akpobolokemi was represented by Eric K. Omare, Oke Joseph Enewovwa, and Regina Aghogho Okulonye, while the defendants were absent when judgment was delivered on January 26, 2026.
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