An Uyo High Court presided over by Justice Margaret-Mary Udoma on Monday ordered one Ms Mfon Abia, a former staff of Exxon Mobil Nigeria Unlimited to pay the sum of Five hundred thousand (N.5m) Naira to Mrs Regina Udobong ,the immediate past Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Joint Venture Operations of the same company as damages for libel.
The claimant, Mrs Udotong had instituted a suit against the defendant, Abia, for allegedly denigrating her character and person in sundry social media platforms between October, 26,2018 and November, 4,2018.
The defendant had published via LinkedIn platform some character- assassinating posts against the claimant with the notion that she the (claimant) was responsible for the termination of her appointment some time in December,2006.
Delivering judgment in Suit No: HU/375/2018 ,Justice Udoma, also ordered the defendant to write and publish a written apology to the claimant in the same social media, the LinkedIn Online Professional Platform.
She further ordered the defendant to pay the claimant the sum of Fifty thousand naira as cost of action.
The judgement reads ” upon the claimant counsel informing the court that Motion on Notice was filed on 13/6/2019, praying the court for an order entering final judgement in terms of the Statement of Claim in this suit in default of defense.
He lauded the oil giant for celebrating his client on her retirement and commending her excellent services and contributions to the towering success of the company in Nigeria.
Ikpo added that his Chambers was working with the Nigerian Police and other relevant agencies to further the criminal aspect of Abia’s publications under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act of 2015.
