# Rita Edochie defamation lawsuit

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rita-edochie-defamation-lawsuit
> Updated: 2026-09-28T13:59:46.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

Nollywood actress Rita Edochie is involved in a ₦1 billion defamation and cyberbullying lawsuit filed by Judy Austin. The legal action concerns social media posts made by Edochie regarding a marital dispute involving Yul Edochie, his estranged wife May, and Austin.

Austin is seeking ₦1 billion in general damages, a public apology in two national newspapers and on social media, the removal of the alleged defamatory content, and ₦50 million for legal costs.

Ahead of a scheduled court proceeding on September 29, 2026, at Court 48 in Apo, Edochie has publicly addressed the dispute via social media. She criticized Austin’s changing public identity, questioning how an individual could change multiple titles within four years. Edochie specifically referenced the title ‘Mrs Edochie,’ noting that while Austin has denied the title, it remains featured in the lawsuit. 

Edochie further alleged that the situation involves themes of bigamy and adultery, vowing to continue the legal fight until justice is served. She has previously denied reports that she retracted her posts, asserting that her previous comments were true.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: Rita Edochie addresses legal dispute with Judy Austin

Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has vowed to proceed with a legal battle against Judy Austin, following a lawsuit seeking billions in damages and addressing allegations of bigamy and identity changes.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rita-edochie-addresses-legal-dispute-with-judy-austin

### 2026-09-21: Rita Edochie denies retracting posts amid ₦1bn lawsuit

Actress Rita Edochie has dismissed claims that she denied making social media posts against Judy Austin amid a ₦1 billion defamation and cyberbullying lawsuit in Abuja.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rita-edochie-denies-retracting-posts-amid-1bn-lawsuit

### 2026-09-11: Rita Edochie denies rumors of arthritis diagnosis

Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has denied rumors that she has arthritis, using a video of herself dancing to prove her physical strength and active lifestyle.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rita-edochie-denies-rumors-of-arthritis-diagnosis

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Cite as: Rita Edochie defamation lawsuit. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rita-edochie-defamation-lawsuit