The court of Appeal Asaba has upheld and affirmed the judgement of Warri High Court in suit No. W/76/ 2018. Which awarded five Million Naira compensation in a case of libel in favor of justice Godwin Ejaeta Gbemre (rtd) in Delta State.
With an additional cost of Six hundred Thousand (#600,000.00) Naira only awarded by the Appeal Court Asaba to be paid to the Respondent.
It will be recalled that the presiding Judge of Warri High Court Hon. Justice Roli Daibo Harriman gave judgement on Friday 8th May 2020.
Pursuant to a suit No W/76/2018. Filed by Justice Godwin Ejaeta Gbemre against Mr Zik Gbemre for libel and defamation of character.
The court ruled that the defendant clearly showed in his pleadings, evidence and exhibits tendered that he was driven by malice. He threatened (blackmailed) the claimant at every turn. The defendant was relentless. He was determined to put an end to the perceived power of the claimant to influence others. His actions were driven by his desire to be in control of the affairs of his community and he was prepared to destroy anyone, anything in his path to achieve that goal,even if it meant destroying the reputation and career of his first cousin.
Consequently the claimant is entitled to judgement as follows :-
(a) The defendant is to write a letter of apology to the claimant thru his counsel within 14 day’s hereof.
(b) The defendant is to publish a retraction of his offending publication and his apology by filling same at the Registry of the high Court of Justice, Warri Judicial Division within 14 days hereof.
(c) The sum of N5. 000.000.00 (Five Million Naira) Only as compensation to the claimant.
(d) Cost of N50, 000. 00 (Fifty Thousand Naira Only in the judgement of 8th May 2020.
But now with the appeal in favour of Justice Godwin Ejaeta Gbemre
a total sum of Five Million Six hundred and fifty thousand Naira only is awarded jointly by the two court.