An Ado-Ekiti High Court has  ordered Western Publishing Company Limited, publishers of Compass Newspapers to pay N2 billion as damages in a libel suit instituted by Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi over publication by the newspaper on Saturday, August 25, 2012  alleging that the governor was deducting N1 billion illegally from the state’s local government account.

The court also ordered the newspaper to publish a retraction and apologise to the governor in three national dailies and on the Internet.

The writer of the story, Mr. Remi Koleoso, was also joined in the suit.

The governor had through his counsel, R.O. Balogun and Co, sued Compass newspaper for libel and sought N10 billion as damages for the publication.

Delivering the judgment yesterday, Justice Cornelius Akintayo averred that the conduct of the newspaper was below diligence, adding that the governor had proved the six ingredients of libel among which are the personality involved, nature, mode of the publication and failure of the defendant to show remorse.

Justice Akintayo held that the cost awarded must be adequate to repair the pecuniary damage. He also awarded another N50,000 as cost of the suit and 10 percent interest rate on the imposed fine starting from the day of judgment till the fine is paid. 

Justice Akintayo said the prosecution called three witnesses and tendered 11 exhibits which were all admitted and marked accordingly.

The trial Judge who said the defendants called only one witness added that the defendant also failed to counter the claims of Governor Fayemi. Justice Akintayo affirmed that a defendant who did not object to documentary or witness evidence is deemed to accept guilt.