AKPIROROH, JCA (DELIVERING THE LEADING JUDGMENT): This is an appeal from the judgment of Njiribeako, J. sitting at Oguta High Court delivered on the 18th day of December, 1997 in suit No. HOG/6/94. The claim of the respondent in the court below as plaintiff in his statement of claim is as follows:
“WHEREFORE, the plaintiff claims against the defendant the sum of ₦100,000.00 being special and general damages for slander.
Particulars of Special Damages
Summons fees before the Nwadiali ₦022.00
Entertainment for Age Grade ₦400.00
One bottle of native gin for Nwadiali ₦044.00
Transport to and from Elele ₦400.00
Feeding At Elele ₦255.00
₦11,221.00
Pleadings were duly exchanged and the matter went to trial.
The plaintiff’s case, put in a nutshell, was that the defendant on the 29th day of April, 1999 falsely and maliciously spoke and published of and concerning him and several other persons the following scandalous words:
“Laa Damian were Okuko egbubiri isi wee buo nsi N’uzo nwam no na House of Assem…