Libelous documentary: Dokpesi begs Tinubu, Settle out of court

The African Independent Television (AIT) on Friday tendered an unreserved apology to the national leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC),Chief Bola Tinubu, for airing a libelous documentary on him.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the apology was issued by Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman of Daar Communications Limited, owners of AIT.

The apology was tendered after both parties agreed for an out of court settlement of the N150 billion libel suit instituted by Tinubu against the broadcast outfit at an Ikeja High Court.

Tinubu, in the suit filed before Justice Iyabo Akinkugbe, had claimed that the documentary, titled "Lion of Bourdilion", was libelous and aimed at tarnishing his image.

During Friday's proceedings, counsel to Dokpesi, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), informed the court of his client's wish to embrace alternative dispute resolution.

Ozekhome said: "My lord, we have come to court today to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Every war that is fought is always settled amicably on a roundtable.

"Both parties have expressed their desire to settle amicably based on the terms of settlement which the My Honourable Lord has been furnished with.

"We reached the agreement to enable both parties to continue with the good relationship that they have always had."

Responding, Tinubu's counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), confirmed that his client had acceded to the out-of-court settlement.

"I align myself with the submissions and sentiments of my learned friend. I can also confirm that the terms of settlement which was drawn up on Jan.29 has been accepted by both parties.

"I also want to appreciate my Lord for her patience all through the duration of the suit.

"I also appreciate the claimant who magnanimously agreed to settle out of court," Olanipekun said.

Consequently, the judge adopted the terms of the settlement and acknowledged that it had been filed before the court.

NAN reports that the terms of the agreement included a retraction of the broadcast by AIT, an apology by AIT which should be aired three times, once daily on AIT.

It was also agreed that the claimant and the defendant should bear their respective costs in the suit.