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By: Abdulhafeez Oyewole
... GTCO withdraws defamation case
Four journalists, previously detained over allegations of cyberstalking and defamation filed by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), have regained their freedom after the case was struck out by the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The case, marked FHC/L/774C/2024, was reportedly dismissed today by Justice Ayokunle Faji after the prosecution, led by Chief Ajibola Aribisala, informed the court that GTCO and the defendants had reached an out-of-court settlement.
The prosecution further confirmed that the allegations had been withdrawn, with supporting documents presented to the court.
The journalists – Rowland Olonishuwa, Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, and Seun Odunlami – were arrested in September 2024 by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Lagos, following a petition by GTCO.
Their release is being celebrated as a victory for press freedom in Nigeria, reaffirming the resilience of journalism in the face of legal challenges.
Their case serves as a reminder of the vital role of the press in upholding truth and accountability, despite efforts to silence critical voices.
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