Libel: Veteran Actor, Attah Demands Apology, N500m from TVC Presenters 

Wale Igbintade 

Veteran Nollywood actor, Patrick Uchenna Attah, has given presenters of TVC talkshow, known as “Entertainment Splash (e splash)”, 14-day ultimatum to apologise for the alleged uncomplimentary claims on his relationship with actress, Genevieve Nnaji.

Attah who currently lives in Germany vowed to file a defamation libel lawsuit if they failed to apologise.

Attah in separate letters dated August 6, 2014, written by his lawyer, Mr. Anthony Omaghomi, to the Managing Director, TVC Communications, and the  three presenters of the talkshow, Olayemi Ogunwole (a.k.a Honeypot), Jay Paul (Mr. Flamez), and Cassey Bashua Alimi demanded that the public apology be published in three national newspapers, namely, Vanguard, THISDAY and Punch Newspapers. 

The demand comes after the presenters  using TVC’s platform falsely alleged that Attah in order to chase clout and publicity granted an interview where he claimed without being asked, that he had dated, actress Genevieve Nnaji.

Attah’s counsel described the allegation as a “calculated plot” to demean and embarrass their client, causing significant harm to his reputation and emotional well-being.

The counsel noted that the allegation went viral on social and mainstream media, maligning Attah’s hard-earned reputation

He said the broadcast was calculated to demean, ridicule, embarrass and humiliate him. 

Besides, the letter demanded an immediate retraction, a written apology, and the payment of N50,000,000 as compensation for the alleged defamation.

The letter reads ” In consequence of the said publication, our client has been greatly injured in his credit, character, reputation, profession and family life. Our client is one of the pioneers of the Nollywood film industry in Nigeria, a reputable actor, musician and business man, he is also a family man with children who has suffered greatly from this reckless publication. 

“Our client was very circumspect in the said interview. He repeatedly said his relationship with Genevieve Nnaji was cordial and serious which did not in anyway tarnish the image of Genevieve Nnaji. It is in the light of the above, acting on the instruction of our client that we make the following demands; 

“That you are to retract the contents of the said broadcast made on the 8th of August, 2023 on your television station anchored by Olayemi Ogunwole (a.k.a. honeypot), Cavey Bashua Alimi, Jay Paul (a.k.a Mr. Flamez) and tender an unreserved apology to our client. 

“This retraction and apology must be published and broadcasted in the same means and manner in which the libelous publication was made, including YouTube channel, Twitter, all social medis platforms, Whatsapp and Facebook etc. 

“The retraction and apology must also be published/broadcast on the same programme “Entertainment Splash (e-splash)” and be anchored by the same persons who must apologise to our client. In addition, this apology and retraction must be published in no fewer than Three National Dailies, to wit: Vanguard, THISDAY and Punch Newspapers. 

“Our client has instructed us to make an unequivocal demand for Monetary damages in the sum of N500,000,000.00 (Five Hundred Million Naira). The above demands must be met within 14 working days from the date of receipt of this letter. Our instructions are that, should you choose to disregard or fail to heed these we are to approach a court of competent jurisdiction to seek redress as  demanded above.