The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Abuja has set November 9, 10, and 13 for definite trial in the N15 billion civil defamation suit filed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Presiding Judge Justice Samira Bature fixed the hearing dates following preliminary proceedings where the claimant’s legal team, led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), notified the court that the timeframe for the defendant, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, to file his defense had elapsed.
The legal action stems from allegations published by Adeyemi, who claims to lead the Presidential Financial Inclusion and Poverty Alleviation Committee (PFIPC), accusing the former House Speaker of demanding kickbacks to facilitate government project approvals.
In his statement of claim, Gbajabiamila completely refuted the allegations, maintaining that he has never met, communicated with, or authorized any proxy to solicit funds from the defendant.
Former lawmakers Rt. Hon. Adekoya Adesegun Abdel-Majid and Rt. Hon. Henry Nwawuba have also submitted witness statements attesting to the damage the publications caused to the public officer’s standing.
With formal trial dates now scheduled, the court will begin hearing testimony and examining documentary evidence submitted by the claimant starting in early November.
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