Tonye Cole Sues Wike and Channels TV, Seeks N40.5 Billion for Alleged Defamation

Tonye Cole, the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has filed a lawsuit against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Channels Television, demanding N40.5 billion in damages for alleged defamation.

The case, filed at the High Court of the FCT under suit number CV/4502/25, names Wike and Channels Incorporated Limited (operators of Channels Television) as first and second defendants. Cole’s legal action follows the expiration of a two-week ultimatum previously given to Wike to retract an alleged defamatory statement, issue a public apology, and pay N20 billion in compensation.

The alleged defamatory remarks were made by Wike during a live appearance on Channels TV’s “Politics Today” on September 18. In the Writ of Summons and accompanying Statement of Claim, Cole accused Wike of making false, malicious, and offensive statements intended to damage his reputation personally and professionally.

Court documents reveal that Wike allegedly called Cole “a thief” who “stole state resources” and “sold Rivers State gas for $308 million.” The minister also reportedly accused Cole of “stealing” the Olympia Hotel. Cole’s lead counsel, J.S. Okutepa, SAN, described the comments as libellous and deeply injurious to his client’s integrity both locally and internationally.

Cole is seeking N40 billion in damages for what he termed “malicious and reckless defamatory broadcasts,” which he says have caused him severe reputational harm, humiliation, and mental anguish. He is also demanding N500 million to cover the cost of the legal proceedings.

In addition to the monetary claims, Cole is asking the court to declare the statements false and defamatory, order a full retraction, and compel the defendants to issue a public apology via a live broadcast on “Politics Today” and in at least five widely circulated national newspapers. He is also requesting a perpetual injunction preventing any further defamatory publications about him.

His legal team stated that a pre-action notice dated October 8 had been served on both defendants, but neither Wike nor Channels Television responded or complied, prompting the lawsuit.

The court has directed the defendants to enter an appearance within 21 days of receiving the writ.