NGWUTA JCA(Delivering the Lead Judgment): This appeal is against the judgment delivered by the Hon. Chief Judge ofAkwa Ibom State Idiong CJ in the High Court, Uyo on 11 June 2002 in suit No. HU/139/2000. The respondent as plaintiff instituted an action against the appellants as defendant in the lower court, claiming against them severally and jointly as follows: “1. N500,000,000 (five hundred million naira) being general damages forlibel published of and concerning the plaintiff and contained in the letter written by the 2nd and 3rd defendants on behalf of the 1st defendant dated 18 June, 1999 and published to a number of persons in Lagos and Uyo including the Commissioner of Police, Panti Street, C.I.D Lagos, Inspector Richard Oamen (in Lagos) the plaintiff’s wife and children the Commissioner of Police Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Uyo and other police personnel (all in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State). 2. An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants by themselves, their ser…