A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has granted an injunction restraining an Abuja based lawyer, Mr. Leo Ekpenyong, from publishing or causing to be published any defamatory statement against the Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Justice Valentine Ashi of Court 29, granted the injunction sequel to an application brought by Rickey Tarfa (SAN), Counsel to Senator Akpabio, following series of unsubstantiated publications by Mr. Ekpenyong against Senator Akpabio.

Legal Counsel to Senator Akpabio had argued that the reputation of the former governor of Akwa Ibom State has been disparaged and tarnished following series of defamatory statements by Mr Ekpenyong and unless restrained, he would continue to publish such spurious statements which have portrayed Senator Akpabio in bad light before the public.

The Lawyer further held that Senator Akpabio's reputation had been seriously injured and had suffered considerable distress and anxiety, following the series of disparaging statements which Mr Ekpenyong had caused to be published against the Senate Minority leader.

In the suit, Counsels to Akpabio are asking for damages for libel in the sum of one billion Naira and an order compelling Mr Ekpenyong and others to publish a full apology to Senator Akpabio on the internet and two major national newspapers.

They are also for an injunction restraining the defendants from further publishing or causing to be published defamatory words against the plaintiff.

Justice Ashi agreed with the submissions of the Legal Counsels to Akpabio andrestrained Mr Ekpenyong from further publication of defamatory statements against Senator Akpabio.

•Photo shows Senator Akpabio.