In a controversial legal twist that has ignited concerns over press freedom in Nigeria, a Bayelsa State High Court has awarded former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke a staggering ₦500 million in damages in a defamation lawsuit — a case the primary defendant, journalist Chude Jideonwo, claims he was never informed about.
The ruling, delivered without the knowledge or presence of Jideonwo and other listed defendants, has drawn sharp criticism from media professionals and civic groups who fear the growing trend of using legal tools to suppress investigative journalism in Nigeria.
Observers say the case — which stems from a recent docuseries produced by Jideonwo's media platform — reflects a broader, disturbing strategy by powerful figures to quash critical reporting through what many are now calling “judicial ambush.”
In an Instagram statement reacting to the judgment, Jideonwo defended the integrity of the documentary series, stating, *“The project was executed with meticulous care and responsibility. Every effort was made to verify all claims, and every party mentioned — including Mrs. Alison-Madueke — was given the opportunity to respond.”*
He revealed that the final episode of the series was delayed by six months in an effort to secure an exclusive interview with the former minister in London. According to Jideonwo, the recorded conversation, which is now part of the final segment of the series, contains potentially self-incriminating remarks that Diezani has neither publicly refuted nor acknowledged — choosing instead to respond through legal channels.
The court ruling comes amidst growing tension between the Nigerian government and the media, marked by recent bans on live political programming and restrictions on so-called “provocative” questions in Kano State. These developments have sparked fears of a deliberate clampdown on journalistic freedom and public accountability.
Critics argue that the Diezani verdict is not just an attack on one journalist but an assault on the institution of journalism itself. “If public figures can manipulate the court system to silence critical reporting,” one media analyst noted, “what becomes of democracy?”
For over two decades, Chude Jideonwo has built a reputation for socially engaged storytelling, using journalism and media to drive national conversations and hold the powerful accountable. This defamation case, he warns, threatens to erode those freedoms.
Though temporarily taking down the first two episodes of the series from his website, Jideonwo has vowed to appeal the judgment and ensure all four parts of the documentary are made available to the Nigerian public.
“The response to our work has not been a denial of facts,” he said, “but intimidation, legal threats, and now, an attempt to silence us with a secret court ruling. But we will not back down.”
The unfolding saga highlights a critical moment for journalism in Nigeria — where the fight for truth, transparency, and accountability is increasingly clashing with the entrenched powers seeking to hide behind legal shields.
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