Cleric Seeks N497m Damages From Human Rights Radio Over ‘Defamatory’ Broadcast
A cleric known as Joy Ebere says her family have commenced a legal process against Ahmad Isah, a human rights campaigner, and Brekete Family, his organisation, over alleged defamation.
Ebere noted that the damages to the tune of N497 million and legal fees they might have incurred during the process.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Ebere said on June 8 during a live programme on Human Rights Radio, she was accused of being a “child abuser” without hearing her side of the story.
“Mr. Iyke, Ahmed Isa, and their clients tarnished my name and brand, which I have spent over 40 years building, without conducting a proper investigation that included my side of the story, they never at any time reached me to get my side of the story or properly investigate the story before going live for the first time on-air regarding this case on June 8th 2024.
“After tarnishing my name in their first stream, they scheduled a second stream and proceeded to invite me to come to their program.
“I refused to honour their invitation because their first episode was done in bad faith and without fairness or hearing. I had no trust that they had the requisite credibility to investigate the issue, but to honour their viewers, I instead sent them a written response that I asked them to read to their viewers.
“In that letter, I informed them of the unprofessional nature of their conduct, my innocence, and my openness to cooperate with any agencies that can properly investigate this case.
“Because I am innocent and have evidence of my innocence, I am not afraid of scrutiny from institutions that are impartial and interested in ascertaining the truth.
“Sadly, Ahmed Isa and Mr Iyke refused to read my response to their viewers and instead continued to destroy my reputation, libel, and defame me in that second episode.”
Sh said the family had petitioned the Inspector General of Police, State Security Services, NAPTIP among other agencies.
