Character Defamation: Court Adjourned till October, 4

By polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
Justice J.I. Nweze of Anàmbra State High Court sitting in Onitsha has adjourned the case of defamation of character against an Onitsha trader, Ifechukwu Anozie to October 4, 2024.
The case was brought by the Chairman of Three-Man Caretaker Committe of Electronics Market Dealers Onitsha Anambra State, Mr. Donatus Obi against Anozie.
Donatus’s lawyer, Chinyere Dunku Esq, in their claim had alleged that Anozie defamed her client by posting his recorded voice in their common Market whatsapp platform.
In the voice record, Anozie was said to have alleged that Donatus sold a property belonging to the Electronics Market Dealers with others without the consent of the traders amongst other claims.
Counsel to Donatus said that the recorded voice had brought his client’s reputation to ridicule and lowered his esteem in the eyes of people.
When the matter came up last Thursday, July 11, 2024, Donatus’s lawyer brought their last of three witnesses, Mr. Nameson Maduakolam for cross examination.
During the cross examination by Anozie ‘s counsel, Chief Ugo Ugwunnadi Esq, the witness agreed that what Anozie said about Donatus in the recorded voice was true.
But counsel to Anozie, Chief Ugo gwunnadi did not call any witness but said he would base their defence purely on points of law when they come back on the adjourned date for their final address on October 4, 2024.