A defamation lawsuit has been filed by Tonye Cole, the 2023 All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Rivers State, against Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, and a Nigerian broadcast media outlet. The lawsuit seeks N40 billion in damages over allegedly defamatory statements made by Minister Wike on a television program.

The statements in question were made on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program on September 18, 2025, where Minister Wike accused Mr. Cole of misappropriating state resources, selling gas assets, and acquiring a hotel. Mr. Cole contends that these allegations are entirely false and were intended to damage his reputation, which he has built over decades through his business, philanthropic, and public endeavors.

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has come forward as a witness for Mr. Cole, testifying that he watched the broadcast and was shocked by the seriousness of the allegations. In his sworn deposition, Mr. Adeyanju criticized both Minister Wike and Channels Television for disseminating unverified claims, which he believes undermines public trust in the media and responsible political discourse.

Mr. Adeyanju also shared his personal experience of being attacked by Minister Wike during a live television interview in 2024, where he was described as someone with “no job.” He has provided evidence of this broadcast to demonstrate what he describes as a pattern of malicious speech by Minister Wike against his critics.

The defamation lawsuit highlights the significant harm caused to Mr. Cole’s reputation and seeks not only financial compensation but also a public apology and an injunction to prevent the defendants from rebroadcasting the offending statements. Mr. Cole’s legal representatives emphasize that the case is about protecting the integrity of public discourse and ensuring accountability for the use of public platforms.

The lawsuit has brought attention to the importance of responsible speech in public life and the need for media outlets to verify information before broadcasting it. As the case proceeds, it may have implications for the way public figures and media outlets approach defamatory statements and the dissemination of unverified information.