Nollywood actress Judy Austin has reportedly taken legal action against veteran actress Rita Edochie, accusing her of making statements she considers defamatory.
Austin filed the suit before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, where she is seeking N1 billion in general damages over the alleged defamatory publications.
The actress revealed the development through a post on her verified Instagram account, sharing a copy of the writ of summons issued in the case. The court document identifies Austin as the claimant and Edochie as the defendant.
Among the reliefs being sought by Austin is an order compelling Edochie to issue a full and unreserved retraction and apology. She wants the apology published in at least two widely circulated national newspapers as well as on Edochie’s social media platforms.
Austin is also asking the court to permanently restrain Edochie, her agents and other persons acting on her behalf from allegedly publishing or circulating the statements in question.
In addition, the actress wants the alleged defamatory content removed from Edochie’s online platforms.
The suit further includes a claim of N50 million as legal costs incurred in prosecuting the case, alongside a request for 10 per cent post-judgment interest on any judgment sum until it is fully settled.
The legal action was filed by Austin’s legal representatives, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria Anozie Obinnaya Obi and other members of the legal team.
Sharing the court documents online, Austin accompanied the post with a brief message: “Enough is enough!”
The latest development adds another legal dimension to the ongoing public controversy involving the two actresses.
Rita Edochie is expected to respond to the claims through the legal process after being formally served with the court documents.
At this stage, the allegations contained in the suit remain claims before the court, and no final judgment has been made on the matter.