Court Dismisses Defamation Case Against Lizzy Anjorin
Court Dismisses Defamation Case Against Nollywood Actress
A Chief Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has dismissed a criminal defamation case against Nollywood actress Elizabeth Aishat Anjorin, better known as Lizzy Anjorin.
The court ruled that the case, referenced as CR/25/20225, lacked merit and was improperly filed. The complaint was brought by Audullahi Adebimpe Mosadoluwa, spouse of a Lagos-based property developer named Ibile.
Magistrate Sunday A.A. Adukwu not only dismissed the case but also directed the complainant to pay ₦50,000 in legal costs to the defendants. This ruling followed a preliminary objection from Anjorin and co-defendant Shakira Ayobami, who challenged the court’s jurisdiction and the validity of the complaint.
Represented by attorney A.U.E. Ogboi, the defendants argued that the complainant’s motions raised concerns about the legitimacy of the summons and the processes employed. Mosadoluwa accused Anjorin and Ayobami of criminal defamation and making false statements that could disrupt public peace.
The court examined arguments from both sides and referenced pertinent legal authorities. Ultimately, it sided with Anjorin and Ayobami, finding that Mosadoluwa had not adhered to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015. The law stipulates that a complainant must file only one offense per criminal complaint; however, Mosadoluwa combined multiple offenses in her case.
Additionally, the magistrate pointed out that all parties involved resided in Lagos State, not the Federal Capital Territory, further limiting the court’s authority over the matter.
The court concluded that the complaint was procedurally flawed and constituted an abuse of legal process. Resultantly, the defamation case was dismissed, and the complainant was ordered to pay legal costs to the defendants.
