Orlando Pirates have seen another of their centre-backs leave after the departure of Nigeria international Olisa Ndah, who follows hot on the heels of MbekezeIi Mbokazi.
While Mbokazi has gone to Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer, Ndah leaves as a free agent after agreeing to the termination of his contract at the club.
Having done that in the January window, he will be free to join another club of his choice, even after it slams shut at the end of the month.
Ndah has battled for game-time with the emergence of Mbokazi and Lebone Seema, and clearly his long-term prospects were still not good following the exit of the former.
He made 73 starts and 81 appearances in all for the club, scoring a single goal against SuperSport United in the MTN8 in 2024.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou picked Nkosinathi Sibisi and Seema as the centre back pairing against Sekhukhune United last weekend, leaving Ndah out in the cold again.
“The Nigerian international requested an early release from his contract, a decision that follows careful and respectful discussions between the player and the club’s management,” said a statement from Pirates.
“Central to these conversations was a shared understanding to afford Ndah the opportunity to secure regular game time elsewhere as he enters the next phase of his career.”
Ndah, 28, joined the Buccaneers in 2021 and quickly established himself as a commanding presence at the heart of defence but he had two serious injuries during this time at the club which saw him lose his place.
In a bid to place Nigerian boxing on a stronger developmental footing, the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) has released a comprehensive programme of activities for the 2026 sporting calendar, featuring a blend of local and international engagements.
The road map, according to BSN Sports, is compiled by the NBF Technical Committee and signed by Secretary General Vivian Azimene, outlines a structured, year-long schedule designed to enhance athlete development, coaching standards, and officiating capacity across the country.
Activities will begin in January with a National Coaches Workshop in the North-Central zone. February will feature an international friendly series against Rwanda and Madagascar, alongside a National Open Trial to select boxers ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The month will also host the second phase of the National Coaches Workshop in the South-East.
March is set to be one of the busiest months on the calendar, with events including the World Boxing U-19 Future Cup, an international friendly against Ghana, registration for the National Boxing League, and the opening of the National Camp in preparation for the Commonwealth Games. The South-South Coaches Workshop will also take place during the month.
In April, Nigeria will participate in the African Boxing Championships and the first World Boxing Cup of the year. The National Boxing League and National Camp will continue, while the North-West Coaches Workshop will round off activities for the month.
According to the document, programmes will continue steadily from May through August. In September, Bauchi State will host a Referees and Judges Refresher Course, followed by Nigeria’s participation in the National Youth Games.
October will shift attention to preparations for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, alongside a Lagos-based Referees and Judges Refresher Course and the Military and Paramilitary Boxing Championships.
November will feature the IOC/NOC course, the World Boxing Cup Final, a joint National Referees and Coaches Workshop, and the 2026 National Sports Festival. The federation’s activities for the year will conclude with the maiden President’s Belt Championship and an awards night.
Speaking on the programme, NBF Vice President Hon. Omonlei Imadu expressed confidence that the federation’s structured approach would yield significant results.
“We are working assiduously to achieve record success across all our activities this year,” Imadu said. “We have started well and intend to make a bold statement with a well-articulated and inclusive programme.”
He added that sustainable development in boxing requires a holistic approach. “Our activities are designed to cover every aspect of the boxing value chain,” he noted.
Imadu, who was recently elected Vice President of African Boxing, also expressed optimism that Nigerian boxers will secure medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu has praised the leadership of the South South Media and Entertainment Awards following the giant strides made by the body since inception in 2024.
The South South Media and Entertainment Awards (SSMEAwards) is an annual event that celebrates and recognizes achievements and also honours resilient and impactful individuals, institutions, and organizations in six South South States in Nigeria (Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta) for their significant contributions and achievements.
The awards, themed around recognizing “Heroes and heroines of the South South,” celebrates visionaries, innovators, and leaders who demonstrate courage, grit, and excellence in shaping social and economic and the political landscapes, often inspiring continued contributions to society.
Speaking after the successful completion of the last event that saw His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State) being decorated as the Governor of the Year and Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as the Sports Personality of the Year, Prof. Ordu said she was impressed with the drive of the body and urged the SSMEAwards leadership not to relent in its drive to improve service delivery in the six South South States in Nigeria.
“I want to commend the SSMEAwards for this laudable drive which will in no small way improve unity, progress and service delivery in the South South. Keep up the good work and do not relent,” she said.
Also speaking after an elaborate ceremony to mark the 2025 edition of the awards, Rivers State Attorney General and Honourable Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Chris Green said he was proud to identify the SSMEAwards as it was “unique opportunity to put the South South on the map for all the right reasons”.
“First, let me congratulate everyone who came together to put together such a remarkable event which will, in no small way, put the South South on the map for all the right reasons,” said Barr. Green, a four-time Sports Commissioner in Rivers State and a former board member of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF).
“Personally, I will always identify with such projects which also aid in improving service delivery in South South Nigeria,” he added.
On his part, President of the SSMEAwards, Sammy Wejinya said the organization which is registered as a corporate entity at Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission will continue to act as a standard torch bearer in the improvement of service delivery in the region.
“I want to thank the Rivers State Government, corporate bodies and public spirited individuals that threw their weight behind this initiative and the 2025 edition of the awards. It was a remarkable success.
“We ate the SSMEAwards will not relent in our drive to be the leading light in ensuring that all sectors of the economy in the South South region of Nigeria are in line with global best practices,” he concluded.
The 2025 SSMEAwards will be celebrating the “Heroes and heroines of the South South, which exemplifies individuals and institutions that had a significant impact in the six South South States of Nigeria (Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta) during the year under review.
The awards recognized a diverse group of individuals and organizations across several fields, including education, business, technology, and the arts.
SSMEAWARDS 2025 WINNERS AT A GLANCE:
Young Person of the Year:Adoga Agbo Daniel (Graceland International School)
School of the Year: Pine Manor International School
Media Personality of the Year (Male):Zubby Wokocha (Rhythm 93.7, Port Harcourt, Rivers State)
Media Personality of the Year (Female):Sergeant Iquo (XL FM 106.9, Uyo)
Book of the Year: Dream Count (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
Bank of the Year: Taj Bank
Banker of the Year: Hamid Joda (Managing Director of TAJ Bank)
Brand of the Year: Prince Mega Agency
Company of the Year: Epenal Group Of Company Nig Ltd
Minister of the Year: Festus Keyamo, SAN (Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development)
Governor of the Year: Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State)
Senator of the Year: Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West Senatorial district)
Representative of the Year: Marie Ebikake (Brass/Nembe, Bayelsa State)
Investor of the Year: High Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs (Chairman/CEO DLB Group)
Sports Personality of the Year: Stanley Nwabali (Super Eagles goalkeeper)
Media Organization of the Year: AIM (Owners of Cool FM, Wazobia FM and Nigeria InfoFM)
Gym of the Year: Charlies Total Fitness Centre (Port Harcourt)
Gym Instructor of the Year: Vextrong (Dance Mattaz)
Night Club of the Year: Casablanca Abacha Road, New GRA, Port Harcourt
All Star Club of the Year: Masgulf
Hotel of the Year: J’s signature 14-16 Location Road, off Tombia Extension, GRA Phase
Social Media Influencer of the Year: Soft Ajebota
Local Government Area (LGA) Chairman of the Year: Gift Worlu (Obio-Akpor LGA)
Construction Company of the Year: Lubrik Construction Company
Academic Don of the Year: Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi (VC, Rivers State University)
Shopping Mall of the Year: Next Cash And Carry Hypermarket, Port Harcourt
Tertiary Institution of the Year: University of Port Harcourt (Port Harcourt)
Oil Servicing Company of the Year: Substrata Oil & Gas Limited
Real Estate Company of the Year: Odibola Properties
Man of the Year :Prof.Isaac Zeb Obipi (VC, Rivers State University)
Woman of the Year: Adaeze Chidinma Oreh (Rivers State, Health Commissioner)
The Nigeria National League (NNL), in collaboration with the Nigeria National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA), has resolved to take decisive steps against poor officiating, hooliganism and the win-at-all-cost mentality, following its Mid-Season Retreat held on Tuesday, in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Rising from the retreat held at the ultra-modern Remo Stars Stadium, Beyond Limits FC auditorium, the league body and club chairmen strongly condemned the harassment and intimidation of match officials, describing the standard of officiating witnessed in the first stanza of the 2025/2026 season as unacceptable and capable of bringing the league into disrepute.
The retreat proposed outright expulsion of any referee found to have compromised or failed to enforce the Laws of the Game, while also unanimously agreeing that match venues that promote hooliganism or disrupt fixtures would face stiff sanctions.
To improve officiating standards, the retreat requested that referees from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) be deployed for the second stanza of the season.
The retreat reaffirmed its earlier decision that a Super 4 competition would be staged at the end of the season to determine the overall league winner, warning that any of the qualified clubs that fail to participate would forfeit their promotion slot to the next placed team in their conference.
Participants also welcomed the proposed increase in prize money for the Super 4 and applauded BetPawa for the prompt implementation of the Locker Room Bonus during the first stanza, as well as its plan to provide further material support to clubs.
The NNL and NALCOMA appreciated the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), and the NFF Board for their continued guidance and support, while also commending Hon. Kunle Soname for hosting the retreat at his state-of-the-art facility.
The retreat upheld February 14, 2026, as the resumption date for the second stanza, urged clubs to conclude mid-season transfers promptly, and welcomed new league partners, Toptier Sports Management Ltd (TSM), charging the company to activate its investment deal ahead of the league’s restart.
The retreat further applauded the cordial working relationship between the NNL Board led by Chief George Aluo and NALCOMA under Mr. Godwin Enakhena, while calling for improved communication to further strengthen league administration.
Crystal Dunn, an Olympic champion and World Cup winner who made 160 appearances for the U.S. women’s national team, has announced her retirement from professional soccer.
A key figure in the United States’ 2019 World Cup win and their 2024 Olympic triumph, Dunn hoisted the championship trophy in the top-flight NWSL three times, with the North Carolina Courage in 2018 and 2019 and with the Portland Thorns in 2022.
A versatile talent who was lethal in the midfield and forward positions, she became a critical piece of the national team’s defence, shining at left back despite it not being her preferred role.
“I leave the game with a sense of peace and deep fulfilment for all that I’ve accomplished,” Dunn said in a statement.
“I’m grateful for the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work with, from teammates and coaches to family and friends, and all the amazing moments we’ve shared. I’m very much looking forward to my next chapter ahead.”
Dunn is the latest in a series of high-profile players from the United States’ modern golden age to retire. She played alongside the likes of Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, cementing herself as a bedrock of the U.S. backline.
Among the first Black stars to break through in a once overwhelmingly white U.S. women’s soccer programme, Dunn served as a role model for the next generation.
“I first kicked a soccer ball at the age of four, never knowing it would change my life,” said Dunn. “My journey wasn’t perfect, but it was beautiful.”
Title-holders Paris Saint-Germain and record 15-time winners Real Madrid are among the European giants who will have to come through the play-off round of this season’s Champions League after missing out on direct qualification for the last 16.
The draw for the knockout stage play-offs takes place today after the league phase concluded on Wednesday with the eighth and final round of games.
There was real drama on the last night, in particular in Lisbon where Jose Mourinho’s Benfica beat his former side Real 4-2, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring a 98th -minute goal that allowed the Portuguese giants to snatch the last spot in the play-offs and nudged their opponents out of the top eight.
Europe’s elite club competition is now more bloated than ever since the expansion last season to 36 teams in the Champions League proper.
That means 144 matches are now required to eliminate just 12 teams, with the top eight in the overall standings going through to the last 16 and the next 16 teams advancing to the play-offs.
At the end of it all, there are few real surprises, with the top 17 berths all occupied by clubs from the so-called big five European leagues of England (six), Spain (three), Italy (three), Germany (three) and France (PSG), with one exception in Portuguese giants Sporting.
Some big names did fall by the wayside, with Italian champions Napoli being bundled out along with three former champions in Marseille, PSV Eindhoven and Ajax. Athletic Bilbao, Villarreal and Eintracht Frankfurt were eliminated too.
The play-offs take place over two legs in February, with the eight winners completing the line-up for the last 16.
The most remarkable achievements in reaching the play-offs belong to Qarabag – the champions of Azerbaijan who advanced despite losing 6-0 to Liverpool in their final outing – and, above all, Bodo/Glimt.
Champions of Norway in four of the last six years, the outfit from north of the Arctic Circle beat Manchester City and Atletico Madrid in their last two matches to go through – despite their domestic season finishing at the end of November.
“We should be extremely proud,” said their coach Kjetil Knutsen, and Bodo/Glimt can now look forward to a glamour tie against either Real or last season’s beaten finalists Inter Milan.
The other possible tie for Madrid is an immediate rematch with Benfica, while other potential match-ups today include PSG having to face domestic rivals Monaco and Borussia Dortmund having to play Bayer Leverkusen in all-Bundesliga showdown.
“We will have to take the long route, but I don’t think anyone else can be considered favourites more than us,” said PSG coach Luis Enrique of having to face an extra knockout tie, mindful that doing so last year did not stop the French side from going on to win the title.
“We deserve to be in this situation today,” admitted Real star Kylian Mbappe after his side’s loss in Lisbon saw them drop into the play-offs.
“Now we have to play two more play-off games. It hurts to have to play those, we wanted to have the time in February to work on our game.”
Real came through the play-offs last season, beating Manchester City before eventually losing to Arsenal in the quarter-finals.
This time City are one of their potential opponents in the last 16 in March, along with Sporting, should they make it through the play-offs.
Meanwhile, PSG already know they will play either Barcelona or Chelsea in the last 16, assuming they reach that stage – the Parisians beat Barcelona away earlier this season but lost to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final last July.
Arsenal, having finished first in the league phase, will take on one of Dortmund, Leverkusen, Atalanta or Olympiacos in the last 16.
Champions League knockout phase play-off draw teams
SEEDED: Real Madrid (ESP), Inter Milan (ITA), Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), Newcastle United (ENG), Juventus (ITA), Atletico Madrid (ESP), Atalanta (ITA), Bayer Leverkusen (GER)
UNSEEDED: Borussia Dortmund (GER), Olympiacos (GRE), Club Brugge (BEL), Galatasaray (TUR), Monaco (FRA), Qarabag (AZE), Bodo/Glimt (NOR), Benfica (POR)
Aryna Sabalenka swept to her fourth successive Australian Open final with a 6-2 6-3 victory over Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in a semi-final overshadowed by geopolitical tension and will play familiar rival Elena Rybakina next.
Rybakina set up a blockbuster rematch of the 2023 final at Melbourne Park by overcoming American Jessica Pegula 6-3 7-6(7), as the Russian-born Kazakh ramped up her own hunt for a second major title following her 2022 Wimbledon triumph.
Top-seeded Belarusian Sabalenka will seek her third title at the tournament in four years and fifth Grand Slam trophy overall after another dominant display at what is now firmly her favourite hunting ground.
“I just can’t believe that. It’s an incredible achievement but the job is not done yet,” world number one Sabalenka said. “I’m super happy with the win. She’s such a tough opponent and has been playing incredible tennis the whole week.”
The defining moment for Sabalenka proved to be a hindrance call from the chair umpire mid-rally in the first set for a late non‑standard grunt, a decision that stood following a video review and left the player fuming.
“It was the wrong call, but whatever,” Sabalenka said. “She really — how do I say in a nice way — pissed me off, and it helped me and benefited my game.
“I was more aggressive. I was not happy with the call.”
Since Russia’s invasion of its neighbour Ukraine in 2022, for which Belarus has been a staging ground, players from Russia and Belarus have been banned from representing their nations at the Grand Slams and tour events.
Svitolina has been vocal about the strain of playing the countries’ players, and said that she hoped to bring her country “light” at the Australian Open amid a tough winter.
The 27-year-old Sabalenka, however, crushed those hopes in a furious display of raw power.
She became the third woman in the professional era to reach the Australian Open decider four times in a row following Evonne Goolagong Cawley (1971-76) and Martina Hingis (1997-2002), who each played six finals in a row.
“Gutted not to make it through tonight,” Svitolina told reporters. “Of course it’s very difficult when you’re playing a world number one on fire.”
While 31-year-old Svitolina was comprehensively defeated, she fought hard from the first ball to the last. The 12th seed started with tenacity, hitting a forehand winner down the line on the first point returning serve.
Sabalenka wobbled, giving up two break points with a loose backhand, but blasted her way out of danger.
There was tension at 2-1 when Svitolina was awarded a point mid-rally, with Sabalenka penalised for hindrance.
Incensed, she demanded a video review but the point stood. She channelled her frustration into breaking Svitolina, and then held for a 4-1 lead.
Pinning Svitolina well behind the baseline, Sabalenka grabbed three set points and converted the third, roaring “Let’s go!” after a sizzling cross-court backhand winner.
After 41 minutes of earth-shaking power, Sabalenka’s weapons finally misfired.
She dropped the opening service game of the second set with a clutch of errors, raising cheers from a crowd yearning for a contest.
But Sabalenka steadied herself, breaking Svitolina twice in succession. Svitolina never dropped her head and earned a break point when trailing 4-2 to put the match back on serve.
Sabalenka was not to be denied, though. After thrashing a forehand winner down the line to save the break point, she proved unstoppable.
Grabbing two match points with a huge serve, Sabalenka closed it out in style, swooping forward with a forehand cross-court winner to book her chance of claiming a third trophy at Melbourne Park.
Meanwhile, fifth seed Rybakina later made a blazing start on Rod Laver Arena as the 26-year-old dictated terms with her trademark heavy hitting to pile the pressure on American Pegula, who looked out of sorts under the lights.
Sixth-seeded Pegula settled her nerves and stayed in touch at 4-2 down after saving break points, but Rybakina dialled up the intensity again and took the opening set with a cross-court winner to put one foot in the final.
Having finished her 2025 campaign by toppling Sabalenka in the season-ending WTA Finals to lift the trophy, Rybakina looked in a hurry to book her 15th clash with the Belarusian as she broke Pegula for a 2-1 lead in the second set.
The clean forehand winner that put Rybakina ahead drew a frustrated response from Pegula, who composed herself to break back and later saved three match points to draw level at 5-5.
Rybakina responded immediately, assisted by the net cord, but a determined Pegula did not give in and forced a tiebreak where she squandered two set points before finally fading away.
“It was an epic second set. Jessica played so well, fought to the end and I’m happy to be in the final,” Rybakina said.
“It was really, really stressful. I had an epic tiebreak here (in 2024) … a little flashback came to me. I’m happy it turned my way and looking forward to playing on Saturday.”
Jurgen Klopp will be back in the Liverpool dugout in two months’ time as part of the backroom staff of the Reds’ Legends match.
On March 28, Liverpool Legends take on their Borussia Dortmund counterparts at Anfield in a bid to raise funds for the LFC Foundation and the club’s official former players association, Forever Reds.
Liverpool icon Sir Kenny Dalglish had already been confirmed as the manager for the hosts and he will now be assisted by Klopp.
Completing Dalglish’s backroom team will be fellow club greats Ian Rush and John Aldridge.
A long-time supporter of LFC Foundation, Klopp has consistently praised the impact of the charity. He has highlighted its ‘incredible work’ delivered both locally and globally.
Klopp left his role as Liverpool manager 18 months ago after almost nine years at the helm – winning seven honours along the way.
He won the Champions League in 2019 before leading Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years in 2019-20.
The German went on to become the only Liverpool manager to win the league title, European Cup/Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup with the Reds.
This fixture will be particular poignant for the 58-year-old due to his history with Dortmund too – his previous club before taking the reins at Liverpool.
During his seven years at the helm, he led the German giants to two Bundesliga titles, one German Cup and two German Super Cups – and finished runners-up in the 2012-13 Champions League final.
Africa’s military landscape has continued to evolve, with several countries expanding their defence capabilities and strengthening their overall military power.
According to the Global Firepower Index, they evaluate the military strength of over 140 countries based on manpower and equipment and also highlight how nations are positioning themselves on the global stage.
The 2026 rankings unveiled the growth, advancement and regional balance, with African powerhouses putting investments in technology and training for a goal of maintaining security and stability.
Here are the top African military forces by their global rankings:
1. Egypt (Global rank: 19)
Egypt has been Africa’s strongest military power and one of the most capable globally. They have built a well-trained army, a solid air force, and an expanding naval zone.
2. Algeria (Global rank: 27)
Algeria ranks second in Africa due to its large defence budget and good ties with global military suppliers. The country’s modern air fleet and well-equipped ground forces ensure readiness across its vast territory.
3. Nigeria (Global rank: 33)
Nigeria’s military has grown in strength through modernisation efforts and local defence production. The nation’s pumping into the military is for countering terrorism within its states.
4. South Africa (Global rank: 40)
South Africa combines advanced technology with a professional army, backed by a strong domestic defence industry. Its air force and naval forces make it a principal security player in Southern Africa.
5. Ethiopia (Global rank: 47)
Ethiopia’s large troop numbers and continued investment in equipment give it a solid ranking. Despite internal challenges, the country maintains a strong regional military presence.
Morocco continues to bolster its armed forces with a mix of Western and homemade equipment. Its strong air and ground forces contribute to regional stability and deterrence.
6. Angola (Global rank: 59)
Angola’s steady economic recovery has allowed it to rebuild its military strength. The country has invested in new aircraft and armoured vehicles, making it a reliable force in Central Africa.
8. Democratic Republic of the Congo (Global rank: 64)
The DRC’s large manpower and growing focus on modernisation have helped it climb the ranks. Efforts to improve logistics and coordination are strengthening its national defence.
9. Sudan (Global rank: 66)
Despite political transitions, Sudan maintains a structured and experienced army. Continued cooperation with allies has kept its defence capabilities active and functional.
10. Tunisia (Global rank: 76)
Tunisia remains among Africa’s strongest militaries, relying on professionalism, efficiency, advanced training and technology to compensate for having the smallest manpower base among the continent’s top ten forces.
Delta State High Court in Bomadi has awarded N30 million in damages against International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) and one of its reporters, Isaac Markson, for a defamatory publication against a former Director-General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi.
Justice S.O. Adolor held that the story: “The hidden truth that led to the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community,” published on April 13, 2024, was malicious.
He ordered the defendants to retract the publication and issue a public apology in three national newspapers as well as on ICIR website, while restraining them from making further defamatory statements against the claimant.
Akpobolokemi sued over the report, which linked him to deployment of soldiers to Okuama and suggested that he used his influence to skew military intervention in favour of his community, Okoloba.
He claimed the publication implied that his alleged role contributed to the tragic killing of 17 soldiers in the community.
Aggrieved by what he described as a baseless and damaging report, Akpobolokemi insisted that the allegations were false and portrayed him as complicit in a national tragedy, thereby gravely injuring his reputation.
He maintained that he was neither arrested, investigated, nor prosecuted in connection with the Okuama incident and that the publication had no factual or judicial foundation.
The defendants challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the alleged libel was an online publication and that the claimant failed to establish that it was published to third parties in Delta State.
They contended that the court lacked territorial jurisdiction to entertain the suit.
Justice Adolor, however, dismissed the objection, holding that online publications are deemed published in any place where they are accessed and read.
The court relied on the uncontroverted evidence of two witnesses, who testified that they accessed, downloaded and read the publication in Bomadi, Delta State, and that their perception of the claimant was negatively affected by the report.
The court held that this sufficiently established publication in Delta State and conferred jurisdiction on the court.
On the substantive case, the court found that the publication directly referred to Akpobolokemi and portrayed him as an influential figure, who allegedly orchestrated or influenced deployment of soldiers to Okuama, with grave implications linking him to the killing of 17 soldiers.
Justice Adolor held that the report went beyond fair reportage and crossed into defamatory imputation by presenting unproven allegations as facts.
The court noted the defendants failed to establish the truth of the allegations in the publication.
It held that the claimant was never shown to have played any role in the incident and that the defendants could not rely on unnamed or untendered probe reports to justify their claims.
According to the court, imputing criminal complicity to a person in the absence of any arrest, prosecution, or conviction amounted to defamation.
The defendants’ reliance on justification, fair comment, qualified privilege and responsible journalism was rejected by the court.
Justice Adolor held that the defence of justification collapsed because the defendants failed to prove the truth of the allegations, while fair comment was unavailable since the underlying facts were not shown to be true.
The court further held that the defence of qualified privilege could not avail the defendants in the face of evidence pointing to malice, particularly their failure to verify serious allegations before publication.
The court also found that malice could be inferred from circumstances of the case, stressing that responsible journalism demands accuracy, especially when reporting on issues capable of destroying reputation.
It held the defendants acted recklessly by publishing grave allegations without proper verification or evidential support.
While declining the claimant’s request for fees on the grounds that litigation costs cannot be transferred to opposing party without proof, the court granted substantial reliefs in his favour.
In addition to N30 million damages awarded jointly and severally against the defendants, the court ordered the retraction of the publication and a public apology to be issued within seven days in three national newspapers and on ICIR website.
It restrained the defendants from further publishing defamatory statements against the claimant, with post-judgment interest to accrue at prevailing CBN rate until the judgment sum is fully liquidated.
The judge added Akpobolokemi successfully proved his case on the balance of probabilities, while defendants failed to justify or excuse their publication.
The court said the law does not grant immunity to online publications and that journalists and media houses are bound by rules of accuracy, fairness and responsibility in reporting.
The claimant was represented by Eric K. Omare, alongside Oke Joseph Enewovwa and Regina Aghogho Okulonye, while the defendants were absent when judgment was delivered on January 26, 2026.
