TOM SHAIBU YAKUBU, J.C.A.(Delivering the Leading Judgment): This appeal is sequel to the judgment of the Anambra State High Court of Justice holden at Awka, delivered on 7th March, 2013. The appellant had sued the respondents, alleging that sometimes around 9th December, 2005, the 1st respondent, with the full collaboration of the 2nd and 3rd respondents, published and circulated defamatory statements against him without lawful justification. And that the said publication and circulation had exposed the appellant to hatred, ridicule or contempt which caused him to be shunned or avoided. Furthermore, that the offending publication was to the effect that the appellant goes about using his membership of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) to intimidate, swindle and obtain valuable goods and cash sums of money from people under false pretences. And that by reason of the above, the appellant had suffered in his reputation and credit which invariably had thrown him into public disgr…