Court dismisses Abuja businessman’s defamation suit against firm
A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has dismissed a defamation suit filed by an Abuja-based businessman, Davies Abayomi Samson, against Ronchess Global Resources Plc, Ronchess Group Plc, and three of the company’s officials — Jackson Ukuevo, Temitope Adebosin, and Omo Umeadi.
The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Theresa Otu, delivered the ruling on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, holding that the complaint was incompetent, and that she lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
Samson had accused the defendants of defaming his character through a public disclaimer issued by Ronchess Global Resources on 19 July 2025.
He claimed the publication, which was circulated online and in national newspapers, falsely portrayed him as dishonest and untrustworthy, thereby damaging his reputation and business.
In response, the defendants challenged the suit’s competence, arguing that the complaint amounted to an abuse of court process, and that the magistrate court lacked the jurisdiction to adjudicate a defamation matter of such nature.
They also contended that the publication in question was a legitimate act of corporate self-defence against false claims and misrepresentations allegedly made by Samson.
After reviewing the arguments, Justice Otu upheld the defendants’ objection, ruling that the claimant’s suit lacked merit, and that the she did not have jurisdiction to hear the case.
“This court, therefore, declines jurisdiction over the matter, and the direct complaint is accordingly dismissed,” Justice Otu ruled.
Tuesday’s ruling is amongst the mounting legal troubles for Samson who is also being probed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Lagos, following a criminal proceeding filed against him and his firm, Signature Advisory Limited over allegations of large-scale theft in June.
The anti-graft agency is prosecuting Samson and his firm before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Ikeja Special Offences Court, Lagos, on a one-count charge of stealing N190,791,494 belonging to Ronchess Global Resources Plc. He is to re-appear in court later this month.
Samson also has an arrest warrant issued against him since July 29, 2025, over allegations of misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, and defamation.