N1b libel suit: Obanikoro seeks injunction against Sahara Reporters

Former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, on Monday sought injunction at an Ikeja High Court in Lagos State against an online news medium, Sahara Reporters.
Obanikoro also sought injunction against the Punch Newspapers Limited and the publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, over alleged publications on plot to rig the 2014 Ekiti State gubernatorial election.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Obanikoro had on February 10, 2015 filed a suit before the court after the defendants allegedly published an audio recording of Obanikoro with other individuals purportedly plotting to rig the 2014 Ekiti State gubernatorial election.
The former minister, represented by his lawyer, Kamoru Adebowale, filed a Motion on Notice dated February 16 seeking an interlocutory injunction preventing the publication of offensive materials against Obanikoro.
The claimant had approached the court seeking an injunction against the defendants, but said the first and third defendants still continued with their malicious publications.
“The claimant has no choice but to take further action against them,” Adebowale said.
NAN also reports that Sahara Reporters and Sowore were not represented in court, while Punch Newspapers Limited was represented by Opeyemi Busari.
Addressing the court on the absence of the first and third defendants, Adebowale said: “Your order of March 1 stating that hearing notices be served on all the defendants was carried out.
“I am sure that the hearing notices were served to the defendants.
“That is why Punch newspapers made an appearance.
“However the first and third defendants are yet to make an appearance.
“This case has commenced since February 2015, the defendants have continued to publish the offensive words.
“I pray that the order of interlocutory injunction be granted by this court.
“We are prepared to pay damages if in future the order is deemed to be frivolous.”
Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye adjourned the matter till April 15 for ruling on the application.
NAN