Dokpesi, Tinubu Settle Libel Case Out Of Court

The Chairman of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi Friday tendered an unreserved apology to the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and opted for an out of court settlement in a libel suit.

Tinubu agreed to accept Dokpesi’s apology as settlement for the libellous documentary ‘Lion of Burdillion’ aired on Africa Independent Television, AIT.

Tinubu had instituted the N150 billion suit before an Ikeja High Court against Daar Communications Plc, owners of AIT, for airing the documentary.

In the suit, Tinubu alleged that the documentary, which started airing on 1 March, 2015, was libellous and aimed at tarnishing his image.

At Friday’s proceedings, counsel to Dokpesi, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) informed the court of his client’s wish to embrace alternative dispute resolution.

“My lord, we have come to court today to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Every war that is fought is always settled amicably on a roundtable.

“Both parties have expressed their desire to settle amicably based on the terms of settlement which My Honourable Lord has been furnished with.

“We reached the agreement to enable both parties to continue with the good relationship that they have always had. We have driven the devil away with a spiritual ‘Koboko’ (horse whip),” Ozekhome told the court.

Tinubu’s Counsel, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) also informed the court of his client’s willingness to settle out of court.

“I align myself with the submissions and sentiments of my learned friend. I can also confirm that the terms of settlement which was drawn up on the 29th of January has been accepted by both parties,” Olanipekun said.

“I also want to appreciate my Lord for her patience all through the duration of the suit. I also appreciate the Claimant who magnanimously agreed to settle out of court,” Olanipekun said.

Consequently, Justice Iyabo Akinkugbe adopted the terms of of settlement and acknowledged that it has been filed before the court.

The terms of agreement include a retraction of the broadcast by AIT, an apology by AIT which should be aired three times, once daily on AIT, and that the claimant and the defendant shall bear their respective costs in the suit.

http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2016/02/05/update-dokpesi-tinubu-settle-libel-case-out-of-court/