Cleric seeks N497m damages from human rights radio over ‘defamatory’ broadcast

A cleric known as Joy Ebere and her family say they have commenced a legal process against Ahmad Isah, a human rights campaigner, and Brekete Family, his organisation, over alleged defamation.

Ebere noted that the damages to the tune of N497 million and legal fees they might have incurred during the process.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Ebere said on June 8 during a live programme on Human Rights Radio, she was accused of being a “child abuser” without hearing her side of the story.

“Mr. Iyke, Ahmed Isa, and their clients tarnished my name and brand, which I have spent over 40 years building, without conducting a proper investigation that included my side of the story, they never at any time reached me to get my side of the story or properly investigate the story before going live for the first time on-air regarding this case on June 8th 2024.

“After tarnishing my name in their first stream, they scheduled a second stream and proceeded to invite me to come to their program.

“I refused to honour their invitation because their first episode was done in bad faith and without fairness or hearing. I had no trust that they had the requisite credibility to investigate the issue, but to honour their viewers, I instead sent them a written response that I asked them to read to their viewers.

“In that letter, I informed them of the unprofessional nature of their conduct, my innocence, and my openness to cooperate with any agencies that can properly investigate this case.

“Because I am innocent and have evidence of my innocence, I am not afraid of scrutiny from institutions that are impartial and interested in ascertaining the truth.

“Sadly, Ahmed Isa and Mr Iyke refused to read my response to their viewers and instead continued to destroy my reputation, libel, and defame me in that second episode.”

Sh said the family had petitioned the Inspector General of Police, State Security Services, NAPTIP among other agencies

She said though the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), it has not visited her home – the supposed crime scene – to investigate the allegations against her.

“What is the definition of force isolation and according to this definition how did I commit this crime based on the factual evidence I provided?,” Ebere said.

“I have communicated my concerns to Brekete, requesting they inform their viewers that I am under investigation and not guilty. They have not responded to my letter to them.

“Today, I urge you to help me seek justice and accountability from those with power and influence and to hold me accountable for any wrongdoings.”

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Also speaking, Enyichukwu Ebere, the cleric’s son, said his mother is innocent until proven guilty.

“Rev Joy is innocent of the accusations made by the children until the Police and NAPTIP or any other relevant agencies complete their investigation,” he said.

“Anyone attempting to harm Rev Joy or her children, or tarnish her reputation, is acting against the directives of Brekete and is opening themselves to legal consequences.”