Rita Edochie Judy Austin lawsuit escalates as the veteran actress vows to face the N1bn defamation claim in court on August 29

Veteran Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has vowed to face actress Judy Austin in court after Austin filed a N1 billion defamation suit against her, escalating a public dispute that has played out across social media.

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Austin initiated proceedings at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, seeking N1 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements attributed to Edochie. She is also seeking a public retraction and apology.

The lawsuit followed months of public exchanges involving Edochie, Austin and members of the Edochie family.

In a fresh social media post reported by Kemi Filani, Edochie rejected the prospect of backing down and said she was prepared to defend herself in court.

“You will be the first to contend with karma,” Edochie said, while also describing herself as someone who would not be intimidated by the legal action.

Edochie also challenged Austin over her use of the name Judy Austin Yul Edochie, saying in an earlier response that Austin should produce her marriage certificate if she wanted to be addressed by that name.

The latest dispute is part of a much wider and highly publicised family controversy surrounding actor Yul Edochie, Austin and Yul’s first wife, May Edochie.

Edochie, who is Yul’s aunt, has been publicly critical of Austin and has repeatedly expressed support for May during the controversy.

Austin’s decision to pursue the matter through the courts represents a significant escalation from the social media exchanges.

Reports on the originating proceedings indicate that the actress is seeking substantial financial damages alongside corrective orders relating to statements she considers defamatory.

The N1 billion claim is not Austin’s only recent legal action. Reports indicate that she has also filed a separate defamation case against her former husband, Emmanuel Obasi, over allegations concerning statements made about her.

Edochie, however, appears determined to contest the allegations rather than seek a settlement publicly.

In her latest response, she said she was ready to appear in court and referred to August 29 as the date for the next stage of the legal confrontation.

“I dey game,” Edochie said, signalling that she intends to meet Austin’s allegations through the judicial process.

The claims made by both sides remain allegations unless established through evidence and determined by the court. Filing a defamation suit does not itself establish that the statements complained of were defamatory or that the defendant is liable.

The case could therefore move the long-running dispute away from social media and into a formal legal setting, where the parties will be required to present evidence and make their arguments before the court.

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For now, Edochie has made her position clear: she intends to defend herself against Austin’s claim and appear in court rather than withdraw from the confrontation.