A major court ruling has emerged involving Don Ubani and Umeh Kalu. Click the link below to read the full details.
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has delivered a decisive judgment against former Abia State Commissioner for Information, Don Ubani, ordering him to pay ₦50 million in damages for defaming the character of renowned legal practitioner, Umeh Kalu.
The ruling, delivered on March 18, 2026, by Hon. Justice J.O.E. Adeyemi-Ajayi in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/6777/2023, also mandates Ubani to publish a full-page apology in national dailies, including ThisDay and The Sun newspapers.
The case stemmed from a controversial press statement issued by Don Ubani in June 2023, titled “What a demeaning unprofessional conduct by Chief Umeh Kalu, SAN.”
In the publication, Ubani allegedly made a series of damaging claims, accusing the Senior Advocate of Nigeria of fraudulent conduct, lack of moral integrity, and professional misconduct.
Don Ubani went as far as describing Kalu as a “tout” and alleged that he was unfit to practice law or hold the prestigious SAN title.
The allegations were also linked to Kalu’s role as counsel to the Labour Party during the 2023 Abia State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
Following the publication, Kalu, through his legal team at Seasons Law Firm, instituted a lawsuit seeking ₦500 million in damages, alongside a retraction and public apology.
The court, after reviewing the case, found the statements to be defamatory and lacking factual basis, thereby ruling in favour of the claimant.
Legal observers described the judgment as a strong reaffirmation of the law protecting the reputation of individuals, especially professionals and public figures.
In his claims, Kalu argued that the publication severely damaged his hard-earned reputation built over nearly four decades in the legal profession.
He maintained that the allegations exposed him to ridicule among his peers both within Nigeria and internationally, while also causing emotional distress.
Kalu’s profile includes serving as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Abia State from 2009 to 2019, holding the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and being a Life Bencher as well as a member of key legal disciplinary bodies.
The award of ₦50 million, though lower than the ₦500 million sought, is widely seen as a significant penalty and a warning against reckless public commentary.
Legal analysts note that the judgment underscores the consequences of publishing unverified and damaging claims, particularly against individuals with established professional standing.
Reacting to the verdict, Kalu commended the court for its diligence in delivering a detailed judgment spanning over 50 pages.
He stated that although he would ordinarily have ignored the defamatory remarks, the need to “sanitize the political space” made legal action necessary.
In a notable move, he announced that proceeds from the ₦50 million damages would be donated to motherless babies’ homes in Abia State.
Kalu also vowed to ensure full enforcement of the judgment.
The claimant was represented by Adekunle Kosoko, Esq. of Seasons Law Firm, Abuja, while the defendant was represented by Darlington Dike, Esq.
The judgment marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s legal and political space, reinforcing that freedom of expression does not extend to defamation and character assassination.
It also sends a clear warning that public figures who engage in unsubstantiated attacks may face serious legal and financial consequences.
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