Alleged Defamation: Court Dismisses Abuja Businessman’s Suit Against Firms

ABUJA – A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse, Abuja, presided over by Chief Magistrate Theresa Otu, has dismissed a defamation suit instituted by an Abuja-based businessman, Davies Samson, against Ronchess Global Resources Plc, Ronchess Group Plc, and three of the company’s officials, namely; Jackson Ukuevo, Temitope Adebosin, and Omo Umeadi.

Samson had accused the defendants of defaming him through a public disclaimer issued by Ronchess Global Resources on July 19, 2025.

He insisted that the publication, which was circulated online and in so e national newspapers, falsely smeared his image by portraying him as dishonest and untrustworthy, thereby damaging his reputation and business interests.

Delivering ruling on the suit, Tuesday, Chief Magistrate Otu, reasoned that the complaint was incompetent to file the action, adding that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter.

Chief Magistrate Otu upheld the defendants’ objection to the suit, ruling that the claimant’s suit lacked merit and that she had no jurisdiction to hear the case.

“This court, therefore, declines jurisdiction over the matter, and the direct complaint is accordingly dismissed,” Mrs Otu held.

Recall that the defendants had opposed the suit for being incompetent and an abuse of court process.

They further contended that the Magistrates’ Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain a defamation matter of such magnitude.

Also, it was their submission that the publication in question was a legitimate act of corporate self-defence against false claims and misrepresentations allegedly made by Mr Samson.

Mr Samson, is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Lagos, following criminal charges filed against him and his firm, Signature Advisory Limited, over allegations of large-scale theft in June.

The EFCC is prosecuting Mr Samson and his firm before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Ikeja Special Offences Court, Lagos, on a one-count charge of allegedly stealing ₦190,791,494 belonging to Ronchess Global Resources Plc.

Samson also has an arrest warrant issued against him since July 29, 2025, over allegations of misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, and defamation.

He is expected to reappear in court later this month.