A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has ordered that court documents in a N40 billion defamation suit be served on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Justice M. A. Hassan issued the order on Tuesday while ruling on an ex parte application.
The judge directed that the processes be pasted on the gate of the FCT Administration headquarters in Garki, Abuja, after the applicant reported difficulty in personal service.
The suit was filed by former Rivers State governorship candidate Tonye Cole, who is demanding N40 billion in damages over comments Wike allegedly made during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on September 18.
Cole’s counsel, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), told the court that Wike’s remarks suggested financial misconduct and improper handling of Rivers State assets, including the Rivers State Gas project and the Olympia Hotel.
He argued that the statements were defamatory, false, malicious and damaging, adding that they had harmed Cole’s personal, professional and public reputation by imputing dishonesty at both national and international levels.
Justice Hassan adjourned the matter to March 24, 2026, for hearing.