Otti demands N100bn damages over Facebook posts

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has demanded a written retraction, public apology, and the sum of N100 billion as compensation over a series of Facebook publications he alleged were defamatory. In a letter dated October 2, 2025, and signed by his counsel, Dr. Sonny Ajala, SAN, Otti said the materials were designed to tarnish his […]

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has demanded a written retraction, public apology, and the sum of N100 billion as compensation over a series of Facebook publications he alleged were defamatory.

In a letter dated October 2, 2025, and signed by his counsel, Dr. Sonny Ajala, SAN, Otti said the materials were designed to tarnish his image.

Ajala noted that Otti’s integrity has remained intact over the years, citing his career in the banking sector where he rose to become Managing Director/Chief Executive of Diamond Bank Plc before venturing into politics.

The letter stated that the governor became aware of the posts on September 29, 2025, while in Abuja attending the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on the Abia State Attorney-General. According to Ajala, the posts were “disparaging publications calculated to instigate public hatred” against the governor.

Otti, through his counsel, denied all allegations contained in the posts, stressing that he has no criminal indictment or conviction by any court of law.

The letter further stated that the publications caused the governor “mental torture, denigration, and damage to his reputation built over the decades.”

Governor Otti’s demands include a written retraction of all the said posts to be published on the same Facebook wall as well as in four national dailies.

He also seeks a written apology, N100bn compensation for reputational damage, and an undertaking to desist from further publications.

Ajala warned that failure to comply within seven days would leave the governor with no choice but to seek legal redress in court.