...Demands N1 Billion In Damages Over Alleged Malicious and Libellous Publication
In a bold move to defend his integrity and honour, former Leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ikechukwu Mellitus Ezeugwu, has dragged a former Commissioner for Lands, Prof. Victor Nnam, before the Enugu High Court, demanding N1 billion in damages over an alleged malicious and libellous publication that he says destroyed his hard-earned reputation and sabotaged a major international investment project.
The suit, which has ignited public debate, stems from a statement allegedly authored by Nnam and published on May 19, 2025, on the Daily Post online. The former lawmaker, a respected businessman, philanthropist, and three-term representative of Udenu Constituency (2011–2023), maintains that the comments were a targeted smear campaign triggered by his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a day earlier.
Reca that in May, Dr. Ezeugwu had quit the PDP after 14 years of service, outlining the party’s leadership of selfishness, deceit, and sacrificing merit for political convenience ahead of the 2023 general elections. In a resignation letter, he described the party’s conduct as “pitiful, shameful, and heartbreaking,” citing betrayal, political alliances with opponents, and disregard for loyal members. His principled exit earned him widespread praise from political observers and constituents who viewed him as a man of conscience.
However, rather than respect his personal political choice, Prof. Nnam who Ezeugwu insists was neither a PDP official nor in any position to comment, allegedly launched a public tirade portraying him as “a sycophant, an unserious person, and a fake personality,” and accusing him of arrogance, political treachery, and benefiting unduly from the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, including alleged improper allocation of prime lands.
Dr. Ezeugwu vehemently denies all the claims, describing them as false, foul, and deliberately injurious, calculated to tarnish his image and undermine his credibility both in politics and business. He argues that Nnam’s reckless statements were not only baseless but maliciously timed to cause maximum damage, noting that the fallout went beyond mere political banter.
According to him, the defamatory remarks dealt a crushing blow to an ongoing multi-million-naira raw cashew nut processing factory project in Udenu Local Government Area, which had attracted serious interest from German investors. Shockingly, he revealed that the foreign partners suspended their scheduled visit to Nigeria after reading the publication, leading to monumental financial losses and reputational harm.
Ezeugwu further disclosed that attempts by well-meaning intermediaries to secure a retraction and public apology from Nnam were met with failure. As part of his legal relief, he is asking the court to declare the publication defamatory, restrain the defendant from making further derogatory remarks, compel a public apology in national newspapers, and award N5 million in special damages for legal costs alongside N1 billion in punitive damages for the loss of business opportunities, plus 10% interest until full payment.
Public sentiment has largely tilted in Ezeugwu’s favour, with many describing the alleged publication as a brazen act of character assassination against a man who has consistently demonstrated transparency, service, and loyalty to his people. Critics argue that Nnam’s attack was not only unwarranted but also a dangerous example of political pettiness crossing ethical and professional boundaries.
The case is set to come up for hearing in the coming weeks, and all eyes will be on the courtroom as Dr. Ezeugwu seeks to clear his name and hold his accuser accountable.
