PUO Slams N100m Defamation Suit Against Janny Ozochi Over Alleged Cyberbullying of Him, Mother
The legal counsel to Promise Uzoma Okoro, a journalist and former Deputy Chairman of Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, has issued a N100 million demand notice against a self-acclaimed social media user, Janny Linda Ozochi, over alleged defamatory and cyberbullying publications targeting him and his mother.
The demand, contained in a legal letter dated May 5, 2026, was written by LADU N. Martins & Co., solicitors to the Supreme Court of Nigeria, acting on behalf of Okoro, popularly known as PUO.
According to the letter, Ozochi allegedly used her verified Facebook platform, which has over 13,000 followers, to publish statements portraying Okoro as “a manipulator, backstabber, gossiper, betrayer, liar, and opportunist,” among other remarks described by the legal team as malicious and defamatory.
The counsel further alleged that Ozochi made an additional post claiming that Okoro is “a son of a mad woman,” a statement they described as highly offensive and injurious.
The legal team argued that the publications were deliberately designed to ridicule and damage the public reputation of Okoro, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), Abia State Chapter, and the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Abia State Chapter.
The letter also noted that Okoro is a former Deputy Chairman of Bende Local Government Area and an aspirant for the Bende State Constituency seat under the Labour Party.
According to the counsel, the alleged publications have exposed their client to public ridicule, hatred, embarrassment, and reputational harm, with some associates and clients reportedly distancing themselves from him as a result.
The letter stated in part that the publications portrayed Okoro as lacking integrity and being unfit for public association, adding that the statements were allegedly false and intentionally published to damage his reputation and political career.
It further claimed that the situation has caused hardship and embarrassment to Okoro and his family, as well as a loss of personal and professional relationships.
Among the demands issued to Ozochi are the immediate withdrawal of the alleged defamatory statements, publication of a written apology in two national newspapers, a video apology addressed to Okoro’s mother, Mrs. Oyidiya Okoro, and the payment of N100 million as aggravated damages.
The legal team warned that failure to comply with the demands within seven days would result in legal action.
