Igbo Leader in Ghana sues Ayariga for defamation

The leader of the Igbo Community in Ghana,Eze Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu has dragged Ghanaian politician and founder of the All People’s Congress (APC), Alhassan Ayariga, to the High Court of Justice in Accra.

The suit, filed on October 1, 2025, stems from alleged defamatory statements made by Mr. Ayariga during an interview on the ‘Frontline Show’ on My CTV GH on July 19, 2025, which was widely streamed across social media platforms.

Allegations of Criminal Conduct
According to the Statement of Claim, Plaintiff, Eze Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu, who is a businessman and has resided in Ghana for three decades, is seeking damages over claims that impugn his integrity and reputation.

The specific words attributed to Mr. Ayariga includes allegations that the Plaintiff:

Is a “Scammer” and a “big problem” for some Nigerian boys in Ghana.
Is involved in money laundering, providing accounts for illicit funds, and sometimes hijacking their monies.
Is involved in human trafficking and operates a prostitution ring, with the Defendant stating, “Half of your population of the ladies from Nigeria who are in Ghana here are igbos and all of them are prostitutes. Excuse my french, you’re their boss. Tell me how you brought them in…”.

Is “destroying Ghana” and must “leave Ghana”.
Igbo Leader Seeks GH¢50 Million in Damages
The Plaintiff avers that the statements are false, fabricated, and malicious, and have subjected him to public ridicule, distress, and even credible death threats, creating fear for his personal safety and that of his family.

Eze Ihenetu is seeking several reliefs from the High Court, including:

A declaration that the words uttered by the Defendant are defamatory.
An order compelling Mr. Ayariga to retract the publication and apologize through the same media channels.
General damages, including aggravated and/or exemplary damages, in the sum of Fifty Million Ghana Cedis (GH¢50,000,000.00).
Special damages totalling Five Million, Six Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (USD 5,600,000).

A perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant from repeating similar defamatory words.
The claim for special damages arises from the alleged cancellation of two investment contracts—one for a poultry farm and one for a funeral home—following the broadcast, resulting in the significant financial loss.

Eze Ihenetu, who is also an entrepreneur with co-founded companies in both Ghana and Nigeria, is represented by Muniru M. Kassim, Esq. of Obour, Minta & Co. Solicitors. Mr. Ayariga has been commanded to enter an appearance within eight days of service of the writ.