MIKA'ILU J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The respondents as plaintiffs instituted an action by way of writ of summons against the appellants/defendants. The writ of summons was dated 28th August, 2000 and filed before the Kwara State High Court of Justice, on 28th July, 2000. The claim against the appellants as per paragraph 20 of the statement of claim is shows as follows:
1. The 1st plaintiff claims the sum of N500 million naira as damages for libel published of and concerning the 1st plaintiff, the following words under captioned "LATEST ON N600M SCAM GOV. SEEKS LEGISLATORS, MONARCHS' HELP" the particulars of which are stated in paragraph 7 above as contained in Vol. 1 No. 28 of the July 20-26 edition of the People's Advocate, published by the 1st defendant and edited by the 2nd defendant.
2. The 2nd plaintiff claims, the sum of N200 million damages for the libel published of and concerning the 2nd plaintiff the following words under the captioned "LATEST ON N600M FINANC…