28/05/2025
Federal High Court Dismisses Maxwell Opara’s Suit Against Jesam Michael, Orders ₦1 Million Compensation for Defamation
By: Klem Ikoi
28th May, 2025
Abuja, Nigeria
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Barrister Maxwell Opara against prominent tech entrepreneur and founder of Afriq Arbitrage System, Mr. Jesam Michael. The court ruled that the case lacked merit and was based on false and misleading claims.
The court went further to award ₦1 million in damages to Jesam Michael as compensation for the defamation of his name and that of his company, Afriq Arbitrage System. Maxwell Opara was also found to have misled the court with lies* in an attempt to damage Mr. Jesam Michael’s reputation.
In the suit, Maxwell Opara accused Jesam Michael of stealing $150 million from his company. However, after thoroughly reviewing the evidence, the court ruled that the claims were completely false, unfounded, and malicious. The judge described the case as an abuse of judicial process and said it was clearly aimed at misleading the court and tarnishing Jesam Michael’s image.
The court, in a strong and clear ruling, struck out the case and held that there was no proof whatsoever to support such heavy allegations.
Findings have shown that Barrister Maxwell Opara is working closely with Abayomi, a man accused of stealing $87 million from Jesam Michael’s company. Opara is believed to be defending Abayomi alongside Michael Okoh, who has allegedly threatened Jesam Michael on several occasions, warning that harm would come to him if Abayomi is not released.
Also involved is CSP Taiwo, a police officer said to be offering protection to Abayomi. According to reliable sources, CSP Taiwo had earlier demanded 30 plots of land located in Ibeju Lekki from Jesam Michael. When Mr. Jesam refused to give in to the demand, she reportedly turned against him and began backing those accusing him falsely.
Speaking after the judgment, a source close to Mr. Jesam Michael stated, “This judgment is a great relief. Lies have short legs, and this ruling has once again shown that the truth always wins. Jesam Michael is a man of integrity, and we’re glad the court has cleared his name.”
The ruling has been widely seen as a strong stand by the Nigerian judiciary in defense of truth and integrity. It sends a bold message that the court will not be used as a tool to settle personal scores or damage people’s reputations with falsehood.
With this ruling, Jesam Michael has been fully vindicated. The judgment not only clears him of all the allegations but also reaffirms his innocence in the eyes of the public. The ₦1 million fine placed on Barrister Maxwell Opara stands as a warning to those who think they can use the courts to spread lies or blackmail successful individuals.
Indeed, this is a sweet victory for Jesam Michael, Afriq Arbitrage System, and for all those who believe in justice and the power of truth.
