Judy Austin’s ₦1bn defamation suit against ex-husband adjourned

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has adjourned actress Judy Austin’s ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit against her former husband, Emmanuel Obasi, until November 24, 2026. The adjournment occurred during a hearing on September 29 after Obasi’s legal team challenged the court’s jurisdiction to preside over the matter.

Austin filed the suit in August following a series of public allegations made by Obasi regarding their former marriage and her relationship with actor Yul Edochie. In her claim, Austin is seeking ₦1 billion in general damages, ₦500 million in aggravated damages, ₦500 million in exemplary damages, and ₦100 million in prosecution costs.

Additionally, the actress is requesting a court order to compel Obasi to issue a full, unreserved retraction and apology in at least two national newspapers and on his social media platforms. She is also seeking an injunction to prevent further defamatory publications and the removal of existing defamatory posts from his online accounts.