Nollywood Star Judy Austin's Legal Face-off with Ex-Husband Shifts to Nov 24

The High Court in Abuja has announced a new date for the defamation lawsuit involving popular Nollywood actress Judy Austin Yul-Edochie and her estranged husband, Emmanuel Obasi. The legal proceedings, which centre on a significant claim for damages, have now been moved to November 24.

Ms. Austin initiated the legal action in July, filing a suit against Mr. Obasi. In her court papers, the actress is seeking an order to compel Obasi to pay her N1 billion in general damages for alleged defamation. Beyond monetary compensation, Judy Austin is also demanding that the court mandate Obasi to issue a full and unreserved retraction and apology, which she insists must be published in at least two prominent national newspapers and across all his social media platforms.

The suit further requests a restraining order to prevent Obasi and his agents from further publishing any defamatory content about her. She also seeks the removal of all existing defamatory posts he has made. Additionally, the actress is asking for N100 million to cover the costs of prosecuting the suit, N500 million in aggravated damages for previous defamatory statements, another N500 million in exemplary damages, and an extra N100 million for the overall cost of the action.

The case was slated for hearing earlier today. However, an update shared by Mr. Obasi on his social media platforms confirmed that the court has adjourned the matter until November 24. Obasi stated that his legal representatives have, through his counsel, filed a formal challenge contesting the court's jurisdiction to hear the case.