A Lagos State High Court sitting at Tapa has granted an interim injunction restraining real estate developer, Kennedy Okonkwo; his company, Capital Gardens Limited, and media personality Azuka Francisca Ogujiuba from further publishing or republishing allegedly defamatory statements against Ikenna Jideofor and Adewale Oladapo.
Justice Babatunde Sunmonu made the order following a suit brought by Ikenna Jideofor Ogbu and Premium Homes and Property Consultant Ltd (claimants/applicants) through their counsel, Adedayo Adedeji (SAN).
The suit was brought by way of an ex parte motion under Orders 42 and 43 of the Lagos State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, and the Expeditious Disposal of Civil Cases Practice Direction No. 2 of 2019.
In the ruling delivered in suit no. LD/5250CMW/2025, Sunmonu said: “The defendants, their agents, privies, or anyone acting on their behalf are hereby restrained from publishing or causing to be republished the allegedly defamatory publications against the claimants”.
The publications in question, dated May 23 and 28, 2025, were titled: “Beware of Buying Hampton Estate from Ikenna Jideofor & Adewale Oladapo,” and “Beware: Ikenna Jideofor of Premium Homes and Adewale Oladapo of Oretol are hurriedly building on lands they do not own.”
Sunmonu also held that the injunction was necessary to prevent potential harm to the claimants’ reputation.
“There is real urgency in this matter,” the judge stated. “If the reliefs are not granted, irreparable harm may be done to the applicants, and such damage may not be adequately compensated in damages. Granting this injunction is, therefore, in the interest of justice.”
The order, which is to last for 14 days, was granted pending the defendants’ compliance with pre-action protocols, the filing of the substantive suit, and the hearing of any motion for interlocutory injunction.
In addition to restraining further publication, Sunmonu also ordered that “The defendants shall retract all defamatory posts made against the claimants on social media and electronic platforms, particularly those made on the third defendant’s Instagram handle, @mediaroomhub.”
The court further directed that, “Service of the interim orders shall be effected by publication in two widely circulated national newspapers and on all electronic and social media platforms where the defamatory statements were initially published.”
The orders are to remain in effect for 14 days, including the date of the ruling.
-Advertisement-
Grab our latest Magazine, "Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, A man of wide horizons and deep intentions". Get your order fast and stress free.
For more details about Newswire Law&Events Magazine, kindly reach out to us on 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk. You will be glad you did
Download E-MagazineDo you want to be heard, your events covered, your articles published, or need to advertise your products and services on our Blog and Magazine, reach out to us at Newswire Law and Events, you will be glad you did. For more details about our services, please call: 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk
