Defamation Storm: Benue Governor Asks Court for More Time in Lawmaker’s Suit

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has approached a Makurdi High Court seeking additional time to formally respond to a N1 billion defamation suit filed against him by a federal lawmaker representing the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Terseer Ugbor. The suit, which has stirred political and legal attention in the state, also lists the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, and another media aide, Isaac Uzaan, as co-defendants.

ACCORDING TO IREPORTER ONLINE, the legal proceedings are centered on allegations made by the federal lawmaker, who claims his reputation was severely damaged by statements allegedly circulated under the authority of Governor Alia’s media team. The case, filed under suit number MHC/422/2024, is regarded as a high-stakes legal test for the Alia administration amid growing scrutiny over its public communications strategy.

During the most recent hearing, J.A. Omenka, Director of Civil Litigation from the Benue State Ministry of Justice, represented Governor Alia and formally requested more time to respond to the processes filed by the claimant’s legal counsel, Barrister Emmanuel Agbakor. Agbakor did not oppose the motion, clearing the way for an adjournment.

In response, Justice I.N. Igoh, who is presiding over the matter, granted the request and adjourned the case to September 25, 2025, for the hearing of a motion for joinder. ACCORDING TO IREPORTER ONLINE, this adjournment is expected to allow both parties to properly align their legal strategies and submissions as the case gains national interest.

The development comes amid increased political tensions in Benue, where opposition voices have accused the government of deploying state resources to target dissenting figures. However, the Alia administration has consistently denied all claims of political vendetta, maintaining its position on transparency and legality in all its public communications.

ACCORDING TO IREPORTER ONLINE, legal analysts have noted that the defamation suit could set a new precedent for how public office holders engage with media representation and criticisms in Nigeria’s evolving democratic environment.