A former House of Representatives member Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has dragged Diamond Bank PLC before a Lagos court seeking a N500 million damages for ruining our reputation over an alleged false publication labeling her as a chronic debtor.
The ex-lawmaker also accused Punch Newspapers of monumental mischief by unduly stressing her in the alleged malicious story.
Dabiri in an affidavit sworn today which was by his lawyer, Adetokunbo Mumuni, claimed that on 4th, August, 2015, the day the story was published she jolted out of bed with calls, text messages and social media request for clarification.
The report was on the front page of the newspapers alleging that her company Thriller Endeavours is indebted to the bank to the tune of N122,912,031.06.
She averred further that she is neither a subscriber to the memorandum and article of association of the said Thriller Endeavours nor is a Director of the said company alleged to be owing Diamond Bank.
Consequently, she said the bank was engaging in mischief of deliberate kind to include her name as a Director of Thriller Endeavours when indeed and in truth she has nothing to do with the company, while The Punch newspaper engaged in monumental mischief when it published her name on pages 1, 21 and 31of its 4th August,2015 edition as person whose company was indebted to Diamond Bank Plc.
Dabiri averred further that as a well known politician the said publication has subjected her to public opprobrium, ridicule and embarrassment of monumental proportion.
In view of the foregoing, Dabiri’s claims against the defendants are as follows:
The sum of N500 million against the defendants jointly and severally as damages for the reputational injury she had suffered.
A declaration that the publication which has no foundation in truth, has defamed and injured her character and she has suffered reputational damage.
N3 million being the sum paid as professional fees to her solicitors.
An order of the court directing the defendants separately and jointly to render a public apology to her in respect of the false publication made which must be published in three national dailies in addition to The Punch newspaper.
