Gbajabiamila's ₦15 Billion Defamation Case Set for Trial

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has scheduled the trial for a ₦15 billion defamation suit filed by Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew. The trial dates are set for November 9, 10, and 13, 2026.

Justice Samira Bature fixed these dates following a disagreement over the defendant's failure to file a defense on time. M.P.

Usman, representing Matthew, requested additional time to file a defense, but Gbajabiamila's counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) and Olukayode Enitan (SAN), opposed this, stating that the defendant had been served since July 30, 2026, and the response period had expired in September. Gbajabiamila is seeking ₦10 billion in general damages, ₦5 billion in aggravated damages, and ₦200 million for legal costs, along with a demand for a public retraction and apology from Matthew.

The allegations involve claims that Gbajabiamila demanded a 48 percent kickback from a ₦27.3 billion federal grant.