Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
Online Editor of Punch Newspaper, Mr John Abayomi, has threatened to sue popular Nigerian blogger, Ms Linda Ikeji, over a story published on her blog this week.
The famous blogger had claimed that Mr Abayomi, a former Online Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, was the owner of the popular gossip blog, Instablog9ja, which has been a thorn in the flesh of many Nigerian celebrities.
But reacting through his counsel, Falana and Falana’s Chambers, the seasoned journalist said there was no iota of truth in Ms Ikeji’s exclusive story.
Mr Abayomi said since the story was published on the Linda Ikeji Blog, his life and that of his family have been under threat.
In his letter to the blogger, the journo said Ms Ikeji must retract her story and tender an unreserved public apology.
“Your publication has put him in the harm’s way, thereby endangering his life and the lives of his family members.
“It has also attracted a lot of negative reactions from members of the public including celebrities who has been eager to know the face behind the blunt and sarcastic blog because of the method of reportage.
“Your mendacious publication was clearly actuated by malice in that it was deliberately done to portray our client as an imposter, a fraudster and a blackmailer.
“In the light of the foregoing, we have our client’s firm instructions to demand an unqualified apology together with a retraction of the libellous publication in the edition of your blog (Linda Ikeji blog) in addition to having the retraction published on Instagram.
“However, if you fail or refuse to accede to our client’s demands within 48 hours of the receipt of this letter, we shall have no option than to initiate civil proceedings against you at the Lagos State High Court without further recourse to you,” the letter which was signed by Chukwuma Onwuemene (ESQ.), and delivered to the blogger on Friday, read.
