A High Court in Abuja has ordered the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to enter an appearance in a ₦40 billion defamation lawsuit filed against him by Tonye Cole.

The suit also lists Channels Incorporated Limited, the owners of Channels Television, as a defendant.

In a notice seen on Friday, the court stated that the matter, marked CV/4502/25, would be heard on December 9 before Justice M. A. Hassan of Court 33.

“Take notice that suit no: CV/4502/25 Tonye Patrick Cole vs Nyesom Ezenwo Wike & Anor will come up on the 9th day of December 2025 before Hon. Justice M. A. Hassan (Court 33) for mention,” the notice reads.

The defamation suit stems from comments made by Wike during a live interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on September 18.

Tonye Cole, the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, is seeking ₦40 billion in damages, claiming that Wike’s statements were false, malicious, and harmful to his reputation in both personal and professional spheres.

Court filings reveal that Wike’s remarks implied that Cole was involved in financial misconduct, including the mismanagement of state resources, particularly concerning Rivers State gas and the Olympia Hotel.

Cole’s legal team, led by Jibrin Okutepa, argues that the comments were defamatory as they suggested dishonesty and wrongdoing, damaging Cole’s reputation both nationally and internationally.

Cole claims to have suffered humiliation, mental anguish, and reputational harm due to the “malicious, reckless, and unfounded defamatory broadcast and publication.”

In addition to the ₦40 billion in damages, Cole is asking for ₦500 million to cover legal costs. He also seeks a judicial declaration that Wike’s statements were false and defamatory.

Cole’s demands include an order for the defendants to retract the claims, remove the broadcast from all platforms, and issue a public apology on Channels Television and in at least five national newspapers.

He is further seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent the defendants from publishing any further defamatory material about him.

The court has instructed Wike and Channels Television to enter an appearance within 21 days of receiving the writ.