Defamation: Ogoni leaders to begin defence on Mitee’s suit on March 27

Three leaders of Kegbara-Dere community in Gokana local government area of Rivers State, will on March 27, 2017, begin their defence and counter-claim on a defamation suit brought against them before a Rivers State High Court by former President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Ledum Mitee.

Justice Ifeanyichukwu Wodi of the State High Court fixed March 27, as well as April 3, April 4 and April 13, 2017 for continuation of the  defence and counter-claim by the three community leaders, including Chief Enoch Tombari Gbarade, Festus Legbara and Olulu Sunday Olulu.

The new dates followed the conclusion of the cross-examination of two witnesses that were invited by Mitee, who is also an indigene of  Kegbara-Dere community.

The former MOSOP President had dragged Gbarade, Legbara and Olulu, accusing trio, who are former chairmen of Kegbara-Dere Town Council; Kegbara-Dere Community Development Council and Kegbara-Dere Youth  Council, for alleged defamation of his character.

In the suit, PHC/1907/2015, Mitee is demanding for N1.05 billion as  damages following allegations by the trio that he sponsored armed  youths to cause unrest in the community.