The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja fixes January 19 for hearing of an alleged defamation suit filed by Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, against the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mkar, Gboko, Benue State, Professor Zachary Gundu.
Justice Hamza Muazu adjourns the matter after counsel to Governor Sule requests more time to respond to three pending applications filed by the defendant, Mediaplusng.com reports.
The governor is seeking N100.5 billion in damages over statements allegedly made by Professor Gundu during a public engagement on July 10, 2025. The statements reportedly accuse Governor Sule of providing shelter to Fulani herdsmen allegedly linked to attacks on communities in Benue State.
Governor Sule contends that the remarks are false, defamatory, and injurious to his reputation as a sitting governor and public office holder. He argues that the statements expose him to public hatred, ridicule, and distrust, both locally and nationally.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the suit claims that the alleged comments go beyond fair criticism and amount to a deliberate attempt to malign the governor’s character and political standing, especially in relation to sensitive security issues in the Middle Belt.
At the court session, counsel to the defendant, Sebastine Hon (SAN), strongly opposes the request for adjournment. He tells the court that the claimant has had sufficient time to respond to the applications, noting that they were filed as far back as November last year.
Hon argues that further delay undermines the interest of justice and prolongs a matter that is already ripe for hearing. He insists that the defence is ready to proceed and urges the court to allow the case move forward without unnecessary postponement.
In a related development, the defence applies to withdraw two of the three pending applications before the court. Hon explains that the move is intended to streamline proceedings and remove procedural obstacles that could delay hearing of the substantive suit.
He maintains that the remaining application is sufficient for the court to determine the preliminary issues and clear the way for full consideration of the defamation claim.
Justice Hamza Muazu listens to arguments from both sides and rules that the matter should be adjourned to allow the claimant respond properly to the outstanding processes. He subsequently fixes January 19 for hearing of the substantive suit.
The judge also directs both parties to ensure that all necessary filings are completed before the next adjourned date to avoid further delays.
The case is attracting public attention due to the high-profile status of the parties involved and the sensitive nature of the allegations, which touch on insecurity, inter-communal relations, and public trust in government.
Legal observers say the court’s eventual decision could set an important precedent on the limits of public commentary by academic leaders on political and security matters.
As proceedings resume on January 19, the court is expected to hear arguments on the merits of the defamation claim and determine whether the statements in question amount to libel under Nigerian law.
Both parties reaffirm their readiness to pursue the case to its logical conclusion, as the judiciary weighs the balance between freedom of expression and protection of personal reputation.
