<p><strong> AKPIROROH, JCA (DELIVERING THE LEADING JUDGMENT): </strong>This is an appeal from the judgment of Njiribeako, J. sitting at Oguta High Court delivered on the 18th day of December, 1997 in suit No. HOG/6/94. The claim of the respondent in the court below as plaintiff in his statement of claim is as follows:</p><p> “WHEREFORE, the plaintiff claims against the defendant the sum of <span style="background-color: #fff">₦</span>100,000.00 being special and general damages for slander.</p><p><em>Particulars of Special Damages</em></p><p>Summons fees before the Nwadiali <span style="background-color: #fff">₦</span>022.00</p><p>Entertainment for Age Grade <span style="background-color: #fff">₦</span>400.00</p><p>One bottle of native gin for Nwadiali <span style="background-color: #fff">₦</span>044.00</p><p>Transport to and from Elele <span style="background-color: #fff">₦</span>400.00</p><p>Feeding At Elele <span style="background-color: #fff">₦</span>255.00</p><p><span style="background-color: #fff">₦</span>11,221.00</p><p>Pleadings were duly exchanged and the matter went to trial.</p><p>The plaintiff’s case, put in a nutshell, was that the defendant on the 29th day of April, 1999 falsely and maliciously spoke and published of and concerning him and several other persons the following scandalous words:</p><p>“Laa Damian were Okuko egbubiri isi wee buo nsi N’uzo nwam no na House of Assem…</p>