Court dismisses case against Sowore, Stephanie Otobo over lack of diligent prosecution
A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has struck out the N2 billion defamation suit filed in 2017 by Apostle Johnson Suleman, the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, against SaharaReporters publisher Omoyele Sowore and Stephanie Otobo.
The court struck out the case due to lack of diligent prosecution, noting that the claimant failed to actively pursue the matter over the years. The decision effectively ends the long-running legal battle which had remained dormant for a prolonged period.
Apostle Suleman had sought N1 billion in damages each from Sowore and Otobo, alleging that publications by SaharaReporters in 2017 damaged his reputation and character. The defendants consistently denied the allegations and challenged the claims in court.
Court records showed repeated adjournments and prolonged inactivity, prompting the court to strike out the suit in line with established legal principles. Legal analysts note that cases struck out for want of prosecution are generally regarded as abandoned.
Reacting to the ruling, Omoyele Sowore described the judgment as a confirmation that the lawsuit was no longer being pursued, emphasising the need for diligence in judicial proceedings.
The ruling has renewed public discussion around defamation suits, media freedom, and judicial efficiency in Nigeria, particularly as they relate to high-profile public figures and media organisations.
As of the time of filing this report, Apostle Johnson Suleman has not issued an official reaction to the court’s decision.
