Court Grants Governor Otti Permission to Serve ₦100bn Defamation Suit on Ex-Commissioner Chikamnayo Through Social Media

A court has granted approval to Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex C. Otti, to serve a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit on former Abia State Commissioner for Information, Barr. Eze Chikamnayo, through social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp.

The approval followed the governor’s application seeking alternative means of service after several unsuccessful attempts to reach the defendant through traditional channels. The court agreed that the use of digital platforms was appropriate given the circumstances of the case.

Governor Otti had filed the defamation suit against Barr. Chikamnayo over alleged false and damaging statements made against his person and administration. The governor is demanding ₦100 billion as compensation for the alleged defamation.

The court’s decision marks a significant precedent in Nigeria’s judicial process, as it recognizes the use of modern communication tools such as Facebook and WhatsApp as valid channels for serving court documents when physical service proves difficult.