BREAKING: Court Dismisses Olalekan Fatodu’s Defamation Suit Against Sowore, Awards ₦500,000 in Damages
A Lagos High Court in Ikeja has dismissed the defamation lawsuit filed by Olalekan Fatodu and Leeman Communications Limited against journalist Omoyele Sowore and Sahara Reporters, awarding ₦500,000 in costs against Fatodu.
Justice Oyindamola Ogala struck out the case on Tuesday, ruling that the claimants failed to prove that the allegedly defamatory content was published to a third party—an essential element in defamation cases.
The lawsuit, which began in 2017, stemmed from investigative reports by Sahara Reporters alleging that Fatodu and his firm were linked to questionable contracts awarded by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) under Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.).
Sowore’s legal team argued that the reports were based on matters of significant public interest and backed by government documents. These included lists released by the EFCC and the Presidency naming individuals and companies allegedly involved in fraudulent defense contracts.
This is not the first time the court has ruled against Fatodu. A previous attempt to sue Sahara Reporters Foundation resulted in a ₦200,000 cost against him after the court found the foundation was wrongly joined in the suit.
Fatodu’s legal action also followed a 2017 incident in which he orchestrated the arrest of Sowore in Lagos. Fatodu accused the journalist of blackmail and extortion after a critical report linking him to misappropriated public funds. Sowore denied the allegations, calling it a coordinated attempt to silence him and alleging that the police supported Fatodu during his arrest and assault.
Despite efforts to get a reaction, the Nigerian Army and Fatodu have not issued official statements regarding the court’s ruling.
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