RHODES-VIVOUR, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): In the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, holden at Abuja, the appellant (as the plaintiff) claimed from the respondents (as the defendants) jointly and severally as follows:
"(i) the sum of N5,000,000,000.00 (Five billion Naira) being damages for libel published by the defendants of and concerning the plaintiff in pages 20 - 25 of THE NEWS VOL. 19 No. 25 of 23rd December, 2002 under the heading "Governors Trying Moments" and Mbadinuju Engineered Igwes Death" which is widely read throughout Nigeria including Abuja within the jurisdiction of this court.
(ii) an injunction restraining the defendants and each of them whether or by their agents or servants from further publication, writing, printing, circulating or causing to be written, printed, circulated or otherwise publishing of the said or further or any libel against the plaintiff."
On being served the originating processes, the 5th defendant filed a notice of preli…