Court Orders Public Summons as Defamation Suit Against Iguodala Stalls


By Elvis Omoregie, Benin 

The Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City on Tuesday adjourned a defamation suit filed against Jessica Iguodala, following her continued absence and failure to be served with court processes.

The case, marked B/167/2026 and presided over by Honourable Justice E.O. Ahaomoje, centres on allegations of malicious character assassination brought by Elder Francis Omoruyi Oloton. Proceedings were stalled after the court was informed that all efforts to serve the defendant had proved unsuccessful.

Counsel to the claimant, Samson R. Osagie, Esq., was present in court and indicated readiness to proceed. However, the inability to effect service on Iguodala necessitated an adjournment to June 16, 2026, for mention, providing what the court described as a final window to perfect service.

Justice Ahaomoje further directed that steps be taken to effect substituted service, including the issuance of a public summons, in a bid to compel the defendant’s appearance.

Meanwhile, Iguodala is also facing mounting legal pressure in a separate criminal proceeding before the Federal High Court in Benin City, presided over by Honourable Justice Babatunde Quadri.

In that matter, she is reportedly facing multiple criminal charges and has similarly failed to appear in court. Her continued absence has prompted prosecutors to file an application seeking the attachment of her properties as a means of compelling her attendance.

The Federal High Court is scheduled to hear the application on May 6, 2026, in what legal observers describe as a critical step toward enforcing compliance with judicial processes.

The parallel civil and criminal proceedings underscore the intensifying legal challenges confronting Iguodala, as both courts consider measures to address her repeated non-appearance.

While the defamation suit has been temporarily delayed, the pending application for property attachment presents a more immediate legal risk, highlighting the judiciary’s readiness to deploy stricter enforcement mechanisms.

Legal analysts say the coming days could prove decisive, as the courts seek to balance procedural fairness with the imperative of preserving the integrity of the justice system.

With key dates approaching and enforcement actions underway, the developments suggest that the scope for continued evasion may be rapidly narrowing.



 

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