Court Dismisses Abuja Businessman’s Defamation Suit Against Ronchess
By Barbara Bako, Abuja
A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has dismissed a defamation suit filed by an Abuja-based businessman, Davies Abayomi Samson, against Ronchess Global Resources Plc, Ronchess Group Plc, and three officials of the company.
The case, presided over by Chief Magistrate Theresa Otu, was struck out on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, on grounds of incompetence and lack of jurisdiction.
Mr. Samson had accused the defendants Jackson Ukuevo, Temitope Adebosin, and Omo Umeadi of defaming him through a public disclaimer issued by Ronchess Global Resources on July 19, 2025.
He alleged that the publication, which was circulated online and in national newspapers, portrayed him as dishonest and untrustworthy, thereby damaging his reputation and business interests.
However, the defendants challenged the competence of the suit, describing it as an abuse of court process.
They argued that the publication was a legitimate act of corporate self-defence against alleged false claims and misrepresentations made by Mr. Samson.
After reviewing the arguments, Chief Magistrate Otu upheld the defendants’ objection, ruling that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.
“This court, therefore, declines jurisdiction over the matter, and the direct complaint is accordingly dismissed,” she ruled.
The ruling adds to Mr. Samson’s growing legal troubles, as he is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Lagos, where he faces a criminal charge alongside his company, Signature Advisory Limited.
The EFCC is prosecuting him before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Ikeja Special Offences Court, Lagos, on a one-count charge of stealing ₦190,791,494 belonging to Ronchess Global Resources Plc. He is expected to reappear in court later this month.
An arrest warrant was also issued against Mr. Samson on July 29, 2025, over allegations of misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, and defamation.
