Judy Austin sues Rita Edochie for N1bn over alleged defamation, seeking damages, an apology, removal of statements and a court injunction

Nollywood actress Judy Austin has sued veteran actress Rita Edochie before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements.

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Austin disclosed the legal action in a post on her verified Instagram account, where she shared a copy of the writ of summons filed against Edochie.

The court document identifies Austin as the claimant and Edochie as the defendant in the suit.

Austin is seeking N1 billion in general damages for alleged defamation, according to the writ.

“The sum of N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira) only, as general damages for defamation,” the court document stated.

The actress is also asking the court to order Edochie to issue a full and unreserved retraction and apology.

Austin wants the proposed apology published in at least two widely circulated national newspapers and on Edochie’s social media platforms.

She is further seeking a perpetual injunction preventing Edochie, her agents and privies from publishing or circulating the statements that Austin considers defamatory.

The claimant has also asked the court to direct Edochie to remove the alleged defamatory statements from all online platforms under her control.

In addition to the damages, Austin is claiming N50 million as the cost of prosecuting the case.

She is also asking for post-judgment interest of 10 per cent on any judgment sum until the amount is fully paid.

The suit was filed by Austin’s legal representatives, including Anozie Obinnaya Obi, SAN, and other counsel.

Austin accompanied the court documents shared online with a brief but pointed message: “Enough is enough!”

The writ requires Edochie to appear before the court within the period specified after the document is served on her.

The case adds a legal dimension to a long-running public dispute involving the two actresses, which has previously played out across social media and in public statements.

At this stage, the allegations contained in Austin’s suit remain claims before the court and have not been established by a judgment.

The court proceedings will provide Edochie an opportunity to respond to the allegations and defend her position.

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The case could therefore become a closely watched defamation dispute within Nollywood, particularly given the public profile of both actresses and the substantial amount of damages being sought.