Nollywood actress Judy Austin has instituted a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit against her colleague and co-wife, Rita Edochie, over statements she alleges damaged her reputation.
The suit was filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Judicial Division, according to a Writ of Summons relating to the case.
In the court action, Judy accused Rita of making and circulating statements about her which she considers defamatory.
She is consequently asking the court to award her ₦1 billion in general damages over the alleged publications.
Beyond the monetary claim, Judy is seeking an order compelling Rita to issue a full and unreserved retraction and apology over the statements at the centre of the dispute.
She wants the apology published in at least two widely circulated national newspapers and across Rita’s social media platforms.
Judy is also asking the court to order the removal of the alleged defamatory statements from online platforms where they were published or circulated.
She further wants an order restraining Rita from making, publishing or circulating additional statements considered defamatory against her.
In addition to the ₦1 billion general damages being sought, Judy is demanding ₦50 million as the cost of prosecuting the lawsuit.
According to the writ, Rita has 30 days from the date she is served with the court documents to enter an appearance in the matter, either personally or through a legal practitioner.
The filing marks a new legal dimension to the public dispute involving the Nollywood personalities.
The claims contained in the lawsuit remain allegations before the court, and no determination has been made on the merits of Judy’s defamation claims.
See the court documents below.
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