Former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State,Macdonald Ebere, has won his defamation suit against Owerri based popular social media commentator, Chinonso Uba, widely known as Nonsonkwa, after the Imo State High Court sitting in Owerri ruled in his favour.
In a landmark judgment delivered on Tuesday by Justice K. K. Ojiakor, the court found the defendant liable for defamatory publications made against the former APC chairman and consequently awarded damages in the sum of ₦40 million in favour of Hon. Ebere.
The court further directed Chinonso Uba to tender an unreserved apology to Hon. Ebere across all his social media platforms, national newspapers, local tabloids, and other relevant media channels where the defamatory content was circulated.
The ruling brings to a close a legal battle that attracted widespread public attention and underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting the reputation and integrity of individuals against false and malicious publications.
Legal observers have described the judgment as one of the most significant defamation rulings in recent times within the state, noting that it sends a strong message on the consequences of reckless allegations and character assassination in both traditional and digital media spaces.
Reacting to the judgment, supporters of the former APC chairman hailed the verdict as a vindication of his character, describing it as a victory for truth, justice, and the rule of law.
The judgment is expected to resonate across the media landscape, particularly among social media influencers, bloggers, and public commentators, as a reminder that freedom of expression carries corresponding legal responsibilities.
With the court’s pronouncement, Hon. Macdonald Ebere emerges from the legal contest vindicated, while the defendant faces substantial financial and reputational consequences arising from the defamatory publications.
Social commentators are saying that as the dust settles on the case, the ruling stands as a powerful affirmation that the law remains a shield against falsehood and a defender of personal reputation.
