Captain Ekong Replies Nseowo Over N500m Counter-Claim

Former Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Captain Iniobong Ekong (retd) has replied revered young newspaper editor, Ifreke Nseowo over his N500m lawsuit counter-claim.

It could be recalled that the court had on May 5, 2014 give Ekong 15 days to reply to Nseowo's counter-claim (mini-suit). Barr. Eddie Ntukidem, Nseowo's legal representative who was only served Ekong's reply at the court premises on Thursday, 22nd May, 2014 asked the court for adjournment to enable him study Ekong's reply and do justice to it as is demanded.

The presiding judge, Justice Ifiok Ukana granted the request and adjourned the case to Thursday, 19th June, 2014.

Ekong was represented at the court by his counsel, Obio Mkpanam while Nseowo, who is the Managing Editor of Community Pulse newspaper was physically present alongside his counsels.

Ekong and Nseowo are in a legal battle over the latter's blog story which alleged Ekong of being the owner of popular Uyo exclusive night club, Play Terrace. Ekong is demanding N500m as damages for libel from Nseowo.

In an interesting twist, Nseowo in his counter claim also demanded N500m as damages from the Utuenikang Ibibio strongman, stating that he was not referring to him (Ekong) in the said story.