The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has scheduled November 9, 10 and 13 for the definite trial of a ₦15 billion defamation suit filed by the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew.
Justice Samira Bature fixed the dates on Thursday following a disagreement between lawyers over the defendant’s failure to file his statement of defence within the prescribed period.
The suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/3179/2026, centres on allegations that Gbajabiamila demanded a 48 per cent kickback from a ₦27.3 billion take-off grant approved for a federal agency.
Gbajabiamila has denied the allegations and is asking the court to award damages and compel Matthew to retract the statements and issue a public apology.
Lawyers Disagree Over Delayed Defence
At the resumed proceedings, counsel to Matthew, M.P. Usman, told the court that he had filed a memorandum of appearance on Wednesday, October 14, and requested additional time to file his client’s defence.
However, lawyers representing Gbajabiamila, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) and Olukayode Enitan (SAN), opposed the request.
Pinheiro, who addressed the court on behalf of the claimant, argued that Matthew had been served with the relevant court processes on July 30, 2026.
According to the claimant’s counsel, the time allowed for the defendant to respond expired in September, but no defence had been filed.
He urged the court to set definite trial dates, stressing that the integrity of a public officer was at stake and that the case should proceed without further delay.
The claimant’s legal team also requested three definite dates to allow Gbajabiamila to present and conclude his case within the scheduled period.
Following the arguments, Justice Bature adjourned the matter to November 9, 10 and 13 for definite trial.
Neither Gbajabiamila nor Matthew was personally present in court.
Pinheiro and Enitan appeared for the claimant alongside Jamiu Agoro and Chioma Olisakwe, while Usman represented the defendant.
Why Gbajabiamila Is Seeking ₦15 Billion
In the suit, Gbajabiamila is seeking a total of ₦15 billion in damages over allegations attributed to Matthew that he demanded a 48 per cent kickback from a ₦27.3 billion take-off grant approved for a federal agency.
The claimant is asking for ₦10 billion in general damages and ₦5 billion in aggravated damages. He is also seeking ₦200 million as the cost of the legal action.
In addition to monetary compensation, Gbajabiamila wants the court to order Matthew to publish a full retraction and apology in five national newspapers.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendant to display the apology on all social media platforms and online channels where the allegedly defamatory statements were published, for a period of 30 days.
Gbajabiamila Denies Kickback Allegation
In his statement of claim, Gbajabiamila denied ever meeting or communicating with Matthew or authorising anyone to act on his behalf.
He also denied demanding any percentage of the alleged grant or receiving money from the defendant, either directly or through an intermediary.
The claimant maintains that the allegations are defamatory and is asking the court to grant the reliefs sought in the suit.
With the November 9, 10 and 13 dates now fixed, the case is scheduled to proceed to definite trial as the parties prepare to present their respective positions before the FCT High Court.
The allegations remain disputed, and the court is yet to determine the merits of the suit.