Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has filed a ₦1.5 billion lawsuit against human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju, accusing him of publishing defamatory statements on social media that have allegedly damaged Obi’s reputation. The suit was filed in the Anambra State High Court, Onitsha, under the writ of summons O/254/75, issued on October 3, 2025.
Obi’s legal team claims that Adeyanju’s posts on his verified accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram included false labels such as “religious bigot,” “fraud,” “political prostitute,” and “leader of a mob.” The suit demands a public apology from Adeyanju, deletion of the posts in question, injunctions against future offensive statements, and compensation. Obi is seeking ₦500 million in aggravated damages and ₦1 billion in general damages, plus interest and legal fees.
Legal observers say this case may test the boundaries between free expression and defamation in Nigeria, particularly in the era of social media where public figures are often subjected to intense commentary. Questions are also likely to follow about how courts define “malice,” the burden of proof in defamation cases, and what kinds of online statements qualify for protection or censure.