NFF’s Ruth David Wins Landmark Defamation Case Against Online Publisher

In a significant legal victory, Ms. Ruth David, Director of Competitions at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has won a landmark defamation case at the Court of Appeal against Amaechi Agbo, publisher of the online news outlet www.bestchoicesports.com.ng.

The case centered on allegations of unfair ethical practices, including misrepresentation and defamation. The Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Ms. David, awarding a total of N52,000,000 (Fifty-Two Million Naira Only) in costs and damages against Mr. Agbo. The court further instructed him to cease disseminating information that could undermine public trust.

In addition, the court ordered Mr. Agbo to retract the false allegations through the same social media platforms and news outlets where the defamatory statements were originally published.

The reliefs granted by the court include:

Public Apology – Mr. Agbo must issue a full, unreserved public apology to Ms. David, to be published on one international television station, one national television station, a widely circulated Nigerian newspaper, and on www.bestchoicesports.com.ng.

Retraction of Libelous Material – He is required to publish a retraction of the defamatory content on his news website and across his personal Instagram, Twitter, Facebook accounts, and all ‘bestchoicesports’ social media platforms. The retraction must mirror the original content in headline and prominence and tag or copy @FIFAcom and @CAF_Online accounts.

General Damages – Ms. David is awarded N50,000,000 (Fifty Million Naira Only) in general damages for defamation of character.

Perpetual Injunction – Mr. Agbo, his associates, and agents are permanently restrained from publishing any further defamatory statements concerning Ms. David.

Interest – A ten percent (10%) per annum interest will accrue post-judgment from the date of judgment until the full sum is paid.

Costs of Proceedings – An additional N2,000,000 (Two Million Naira) was awarded for the cost of legal proceedings.

The ruling serves as a precedent in protecting individuals from online defamation and underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding ethical journalism standards in Nigeria.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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