A High Court sitting in Abuja has summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to appear before it in connection with a forty billion naira defamation suit instituted by Tonye Patrick Cole, the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State. The case marks one of the most high-profile defamation battles in recent political memory, reflecting the deepening tensions between the two Rivers political heavyweights.
The suit, marked CV/4502/25, also lists Channels Incorporated Limited, owners of Channels Television, as a co-defendant. According to a notice issued by the court on Friday, December 5, the matter has been slated for mention on December 9, 2025, before Justice M. A. Hassan of Court 33 at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
The court notice reads: “Take notice that suit no: CV/4502/25 Tonye Patrick Cole vs Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and Anor will come up on the 9th day of December 2025 before Hon. Justice M. A. Hassan for mention.” With this summons, both Wike and Channels Television are expected to enter an appearance within twenty one days of being served the writ, signalling the formal commencement of judicial proceedings in a case that could have far-reaching implications for political communication and media accountability in Nigeria.
Cole’s legal team, led by eminent Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, confirmed that the suit was filed after Wike and Channels Television allegedly failed to respond to a pre-action notice and a formal demand letter dated October 8. According to the legal team, the failure to retract the statements or offer remedial steps left Cole with no option but to seek redress in court.
The defamation claim stems from comments made by Wike on September 18, during a live broadcast of Channels Television’s current affairs programme, Politics Today. During the televised interview, Wike made a series of allegations touching on Cole’s integrity and involvement in specific financial dealings relating to Rivers State affairs. Cole insists the statements were not only false but malicious, crafted to damage his political prospects, professional stature and public image.
Court filings indicate that the Minister’s remarks suggested Cole was involved in mismanagement of state assets, including references to issues surrounding Rivers State’s gas infrastructure and the long-disputed Olympia Hotel project. Cole’s legal team argued that these remarks portrayed him as dishonest, corrupt and unworthy of public trust — allegations they described as unfounded and injurious. According to the lawyers, these statements harmed Cole’s standing both within Nigeria and internationally, where he has established a reputation as a businessman and technocrat.
In his statement of claim, Cole said he suffered humiliation, emotional distress and severe reputational harm arising from what he labelled a “malicious, reckless and unfounded defamatory broadcast and publication.” He contends that the reach of Channels Television, combined with the stature of the minister, has amplified the damage, causing long-term injury to his political aspirations and personal credibility.
As part of the reliefs sought, Cole is demanding forty billion naira in damages for defamation. In addition, he is seeking five hundred million naira to cover the cost of litigation. He further asks the court to issue a declaratory order stating that the statements made by Wike during the broadcast were false, defamatory and injurious to his character.
Cole is also asking the court to compel Wike and Channels Television to publicly retract the comments, delete all versions of the programme from their platforms and publish a formal apology. The requested apology, according to the court documents, must be broadcast on Channels Television and published in at least five national newspapers to ensure sufficient public correction of the defamatory statements.
Furthermore, Cole seeks a perpetual injunction restraining Wike, Channels Television or their agents from making any further defamatory remarks about him in the future. His legal team argues that such an order is necessary to prevent a recurrence and to safeguard his public reputation from additional harm.
Legal analysts say the case may test the balance between freedom of expression, political commentary and the legal protections offered to individuals against defamation in Nigeria. While Nigerian law allows robust political debate, it also provides recourse for individuals who believe their reputation has been unfairly damaged by false public statements.
The decision of the court to summon Wike marks the latest chapter in the ongoing rivalry between the two political figures, both of whom have remained central to Rivers State politics. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and now a key figure in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, has been involved in several high-profile political controversies. Cole, on the other hand, has argued that Wike’s comments were part of a sustained attempt to discredit him and influence public perception, especially following the contentious 2023 governorship election.
Channels Television, which hosted the programme in question, is also expected to defend its role in broadcasting the remarks. Media practitioners will be watching closely, as the suit may raise important questions about editorial responsibility, the liability of broadcasters and the standards for live political programming.
The forthcoming mention date on December 9 is expected to set the stage for preliminary arguments, including whether the court has jurisdiction and whether the statements made fall within the boundaries of fair comment or constitute actionable defamation. Following the defendants’ appearance, the court is expected to schedule further hearings that will determine the trajectory of the case.
As the legal battle unfolds, it promises to be one of the most closely watched defamation cases involving a serving minister and a major broadcast station. Political observers say the outcome could influence how public figures communicate on live television and how media organisations manage high-stakes political interviews.
For now, all eyes remain on the Abuja High Court, where the matter is set to begin its formal journey through the judicial system.
