All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Tonye Cole, has filed a ₦40.5 billion defamation suit against Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Channels Television.
The suit, marked CV/4502/25, was filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja
Cole, a former governorship candidate of the APC in Rivers state, said Wike made false and damaging statements about him during a live broadcast of Politics Today on Channels Television on September 18, 2025.
He said the remarks portrayed him as someone who mismanaged Rivers State resources and sold state-owned gas assets for $308 million.
He said the statements injured his reputation and public standing, stressing that the interview was shared on Channels Television’s YouTube channel, website and social media platforms.
Cole said Wike accused him of acting as a “conduit” in the diversion of state funds during the administration of Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers governor.
Wike also alleged that Cole and his associates “stole” state property, including the Olympia Hotel.
Cole said the comments were reckless and ignored the context of a 2015 privatisation process in which Wike served as the state government’s chief of staff.
He submitted a downloaded copy of the broadcast and a written transcript as evidence.
Channels Television is accused of failing to exercise professional diligence before broadcasting and amplifying the remarks.
Cole described himself as an accomplished entrepreneur and public figure of “impeccable character”.
He highlighted his educational background, corporate leadership roles and philanthropic work, adding that the allegations contradict his track record and were intended to damage his credibility.
He said the transaction referenced by Wike was a $432 million privatisation deal, in which NG Power paid $302.4 million in full.
He said multiple judicial panels from 2015 to 2023 found no wrongdoing in the transaction.
Cole is seeking a declaration that Wike’s statements were false and defamatory.
He wants the court to order a public apology and retraction on Politics Today and in five national newspapers and a perpetual injunction restraining further broadcast or publication of the remarks.
He is seeking ₦40 billion in general damages and ₦500 million in litigation costs.
Cole is represented by Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
