Okonkwo, Others Warned Against Libellous Claims

Justice Tunde Sunmonu of the Lagos State High Court, sitting in Tapa, has granted an interim injunction restraining popular real estate developer, Kennedy Okonkwo and two others from further publishing or republishing alleged defamatory statements targeting two businessmen, Ikenna Jideofor and Adewale Oladapo.

Justice Sunmonu ordered that the interim injunction remain in effect for 14 days from the date of the order, pending compliance with pre-action protocols, the filing of the substantive suit, and the hearing and determination of any motion for an interlocutory injunction.

The court has barred Okonkwo, his company Capital Gardens Limited, and media personality Azuka Francisca Ogujiuba from disseminating additional versions of two publications dated May 23 and May 28, 2025, titled: “Beware of Buying Hampton Estate from Ikenna Jideofor & Adewale Oladapo”.

The judge granted the orders after deciding that there was significant urgency in the matter and that irreparable harm could occur if the reliefs sought were not given.

The court had also held that granting the injunction was in the interest of justice.

Ogbu and Premium Homes and Property Consultant Ltd (the Claimants/Applicants) filed the case through their counsel, Adedayo Adedeji (SAN), in Suit No. LD/5250CMW/2025.

The applicants sought several reliefs in the ex parte motion, filed under Orders 42 and 43 of the Lagos State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and the Expeditious Disposal of Civil Cases Practice Direction No. 2 of 2019.

The orders granted by the court were an interim injunction restraining the defendants and their agents from further publishing or causing the alleged defamatory statements mentioned above to be republished.

“An order compelling the defendants to retract all defamatory posts against the claimants on social media and electronic platforms, particularly on the third defendant’s Instagram handle, @mediaroomhub.

“An order directing the service of the interim injunction through publication in two widely circulated national newspapers and on all electronic and social media platforms where the defamatory publications appeared.”