IBRAHIM SHATA BDLIYA, J.C.A (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This appeal is against the ruling of the Bauchi State High Court (hereinafter referred to as the trial Court) in suit No. BA/214/2005 delivered on the 3rd of May, 2006. By a writ of summons and a statement of claim filed on the 24th of November, 2005, the Respondent (then plaintiff) sued the appellant (as defamed) before the trial Court seeking the following reliefs:
(a) A declaration that the libelous publications sponsored by the defendant (appellant) against the plaintiff (respondent) have seriously defamed him.
(b) An immediate retraction and public apology of all the offensive and libelous publications, published against the appellant by the defendant in 3 National and weekly read News Papers.
(c) N100,000,000.00 (one Hundred Million Naira) only being general and aggravated damages for defamation of character.
(d) Cost and expenses of the action.
The appellant entered conditional appearance to the originating process…