The supreme court of the US state of New York, has dismissed a
defamation suit which Musiliu Obanikoro, former minister of state for defence,
filed against Omoleye Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters.
The charge was struck out after Sowore asked the court to dismiss
it based on affidavits and exhibits.
The judge
granted Sowore’s request on the grounds of non conveniens – a discretionary power that allows
courts to dismiss a case where another court, is much better suited to hear the
case.
“Accordingly, it is ordered that
the motion to dismiss this complaint on the ground that New York is an
inconvenient forum is granted and the complaint is dismissed with costs and
disbursements to defendants upon submission of an appropriate bill of costs,”
Debra James, the judge, ruled.
“Upon the foregoing papers, it is ordered that this motion is
granted in accordance with the attached memorandum decision and order. This is
the decision and order of the court.”
Obanikoro, had alleged that Sowore and Sahara Reporters, committed
libel by accusing him of rigging the election that produced Ayodele Fayose as
governor of Ekiti state.
He said the report harmed his reputation, both in Nigeria and the
US, but the judge granted the defendant’s motion, saying the matter be resolved
in a Nigerian court.
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