Adams Oshiomhole pleads for out of court settlement on Gov Ortom libel suit…

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, has pleaded for an out-of-court settlement following a N10bn libel suit instituted against him by Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.

The lawsuit was filed after Oshiomhole accused Governor Ortom of murder during an APC-sponsored press conference on July 27, 2018. He alleged that Ortom was complicit in the death of two Catholic priests and other parishioners at Mbalom Community, Gwer East local government on the grounds that one of the priests had preached a ‘very critical sermon’ against the Governor before that attack.

Speaking at the resumed hearing of the case at the Benue State High Court sitting in Makurdi on Tuesday October 13, Ortom’s counsel Samuel Irabor told the court that Oshiomhole’s counsel, Festus Jumbo had informed him that he was exploring an out-of-court settlement, one of the terms of which was the retraction of the libelous publication which would be ready within a week.

Irabor added that it was based on the respondent’s counsel’s approach that he was applying for another date to take a look at the terms of settlement as canvassed by Oshiomhole. Titus Akuhwa, who held brief for Oshiomole’s counsel also confirmed the development. 

The Presiding judge, Justice Augustine Ityonyiman adjourned the case to October 29 for a report on the out-of-court settlement after listening to both parties.