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By Christopher Oji
A former leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Mellitus Ezeugwu, has filed a N1 billion lawsuit against a former Commissioner for Lands in the state, Prof. Victor Nnam, over an alleged defamatory publication that he claims severely damaged his reputation and sabotaged an international business deal.
The suit filed before the Enugu High Court, stems from a statement allegedly made by Nnam and published on May 19, 2025, on the Daily Post online platform and circulated across social media.
Ezeugwu, who served three consecutive terms representing Udenu Constituency between 2011 and 2023, claims the comments were made in reaction to his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In his statement of claim, Ezeugwu, a businessman and philanthropist, described the publication as “false, foul, and injurious,” alleging that it portrayed him as a “sycophant, an unserious person, and a fake personality,” thereby casting doubt on his credibility.
He noted that Nnam was not an official of the PDP and had no standing to comment on his political decision.
The former lawmaker further alleged that the publication accused him of political treachery, arrogance, and undue benefit from the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, including alleged improper allocation of prime lands.
He insists the statements were false, malicious, and intended to tarnish his public image.
Ezeugwu also claimed that the defamatory statements negatively impacted an international business venture , a multimillion-naira raw cashew nut processing factory located in Udenu Local Government Area , which had attracted interest from German investors.
According to him, the investors suspended their scheduled visit to Nigeria after the publication surfaced, resulting in substantial financial losses and reputational harm.
The founder of the Ikechukwu Ezeugwu Foundation stated that the fallout extended into his political career, as members of his new political party began questioning his integrity.
He added that efforts by mutual acquaintances to secure a retraction and public apology from Nnam were unsuccessful.
As part of the relief sought, Ezeugwu is asking the court to declare the publication defamatory, restrain the defendant from making further derogatory remarks, and compel a public apology in national newspapers.
He is also demanding N5 million in special damages for legal expenses, N1 billion in punitive damages for loss of business opportunities, and 10% interest on any awarded sum until full payment is made.
The case is expected to come up for hearing in the coming weeks.
