EJIWUNMI, J.S.C. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The proceedings leading to this appeal commenced from the High Court of Umuahia in suit No. HU/99/83.
In that suit the plaintiff, who is also a cross-appellant in this court claimed against defendants, the appellants/cross-respondents, jointly and severally the sum of N10m as general damages for the publication of a libellous matter concerning him in the Nigerian Statesman of the 20th August 1983 and Sunday the 21st of August 1983.
Following the order for pleadings, the parties filed and exchanged their pleadings. They were further amended with the leave of the trial court. The plaintiff finally settled his pleadings with a Further Amended Statement of Claim. By his pleadings, the plaintiff averred that he is the Chairman and Managing Director of B. B. Apugo and Sons Limited and also Director or Chairman of other companies named in his Further Amended Statement of Claim. He further pleaded that the said B. B. Apugo and Sons Limited …