Umahi sues Linda Ikeji, demands N3bn over defamation

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dragged blogger and media entrepreneur Linda Ikeji, businesswoman Stella Ifeoma Okengwu and Linda Ikeji TV Limited before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, over alleged defamatory publications.

Umahi, through his counsel, Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN, filed the suit on August 24, 2026, under case number FCT/CV/264/26.

In his statement of claim, the minister alleged that the defendants engaged in a series of malicious publications against him between March 2025 and March 2026 through social media platforms and Ikeji’s media outlets.

Umahi specifically alleged that Okengwu, identified as the Chief Executive Officer of Winhomes Global Estate Services, Lagos, published videos on her Instagram account, @thewomanking1, in which she allegedly made accusations bordering on bribery, corruption, intimidation, sexual misconduct, land grabbing and sexual harassment.

He further alleged that the videos were subsequently amplified through Linda Ikeji’s platforms, including Linda Ikeji TV and its Instagram account.

The minister said he had previously demanded an unreserved public apology, the removal of the publications and an undertaking from the defendants not to repeat the alleged defamatory claims.

According to him, the demands were not met, leaving him with no option but to seek legal redress.

Umahi is asking the court to declare the publications false, defamatory and capable of damaging his reputation.

He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to remove the allegedly defamatory materials from their platforms and publish an apology, including video apologies, through the same channels where the publications appeared.

The minister further wants a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents and affiliated entities from publishing similar defamatory materials against him.

In addition, Umahi is demanding N500 million in general damages, N2 billion in exemplary damages and N500 million as the cost of the suit.

He is also seeking 10 per cent annual interest on any judgment sum awarded by the court.

The minister has equally asked the court to issue an interim order restraining the defendants from making further allegedly defamatory publications against him pending the determination of the case.

Umahi maintained that the publications were false and deliberately intended to damage his reputation.

The defendants’ response to the allegations was not contained in the statement provided.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.