A High Court in Abuja has issued a summons directing Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to appear in a high-stakes N40 billion defamation lawsuit filed against him by Tonye Cole, a prominent businessman and former governorship candidate in Rivers State.
The legal action, which also names Channels Incorporated Limited—the parent company of Channels Television—as a co-defendant, stems from alleged defamatory statements made by Wike during a television interview. Cole, who ran as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2023 Rivers State gubernatorial election, claims the remarks severely damaged his reputation and business interests.
In a court notice dated Friday, December 5, 2025, and reviewed by journalists, the FCT High Court ordered Wike and the media company to enter their appearances without delay. The matter, docketed as CV/4502/25, is scheduled for its first hearing on Tuesday, December 9, before Justice M. A. Hassan of Court 33.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy traces back to an interview Wike granted to Channels Television earlier this year, where he reportedly accused Cole of involvement in financial improprieties related to the sale of oil assets during his tenure as Rivers State governor.
Wike, a key political figure and ally of President Bola Tinubu, has been locked in a public feud with Cole, who has accused the minister of using his position to settle political scores.
Cole’s suit argues that the broadcast statements were false, malicious, and broadcast with reckless disregard for the truth, exposing him to public ridicule and economic loss.
The N40 billion claim breaks down into N20 billion in general damages for reputational harm and another N20 billion in aggravated damages, according to court documents.
Channels Television, is implicated for airing the interview without due verification, the suit alleges.
As of Saturday morning, neither Wike’s office nor Channels Incorporated had issued an official response to the summons. However, sources close to the minister described the lawsuit as a “frivolous distraction” aimed at derailing his developmental agenda for the FCT.
This case adds to the growing list of legal entanglements surrounding Wike, who has faced multiple suits since his appointment as FCT Minister in August 2023.
The December 9 hearing will likely focus on whether the defendants will challenge the suit’s jurisdiction or file preliminary objections. Further developments are expected as the case unfolds in the coming weeks.