The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has instituted a N2.5 billion defamation suit against media entrepreneur Linda Ikeji, Stella Ifeoma Okengwu and Linda Ikeji TV Limited over alleged defamatory publications.
The suit, marked FCT/CV/264/26, was filed on August 24, 2026, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Judicial Division.
According to the case documents, Umahi alleged that the defendants published and circulated statements and videos concerning him between March 2025 and March 2026 which he described as false, malicious and defamatory.
The minister alleged that the publications contained accusations bordering on bribery, corruption, intimidation, sexual misconduct, land grabbing, sexual harassment and claims that he was unfit to hold public office.
Umahi further alleged that some of the materials initially published on social media were subsequently amplified through Linda Ikeji’s media platforms, including Linda Ikeji TV.
The minister said he had previously instructed his lawyers to demand the removal of the alleged defamatory materials, an unreserved public apology and an undertaking to desist from further publication of similar claims.
He alleged that the demands were not complied with, prompting the legal action.
In the suit, Umahi is asking the court to declare the publications false and defamatory and to order the defendants to remove the materials from their social media and other platforms where they were published.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a public apology, including through the platforms on which the alleged publications appeared.
The minister is further asking the court for a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents and representatives from publishing further materials which he considers defamatory against him.
Umahi is claiming N500 million in general damages and N2 billion in exemplary damages, while also seeking N500 million as the cost of prosecuting the suit.
He is additionally asking for 10 per cent annual post-judgment interest on any judgment sum awarded by the court.
The suit was filed through a legal team led by A. J. Owonikoko, SAN, of Synergy Attorneys, alongside other senior advocates.
The case documents indicate that the defendants had not been served with the writ at the time the case summary was prepared, and no hearing date had been fixed.
The allegations contained in the suit are claims by the minister and have not been established by the court.
The defendants will have an opportunity to respond and present their defence in accordance with due process.
