The long-running public feud between Nollywood actress Judy Austin and veteran actress Rita Edochie has taken a dramatic turn, with Judy dragging her older in-law before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, for alleged defamation.
Key Highlights
- Judy Austin sues Rita Edochie over alleged defamatory statements.
- ₦1 billion damages demanded by Judy from Rita.
- Judy is also seeking ₦50 million in legal costs.
- She wants Rita to issue a public retraction and unreserved apology in at least two national newspapers and on social media.
- Judy is asking the court to permanently restrain Rita from publishing or circulating the alleged defamatory statements.
According to court documents shared by Judy on her Instagram page, she is demanding ₦1 billion in general damages from Rita over alleged defamatory statements made against her.
Judy is also asking the court to compel Rita to publish a full and unreserved retraction and apology in at least two widely circulated national newspapers and across her social media platforms.
She is further seeking a perpetual injunction restraining Rita, her agents and privies from allegedly publishing or circulating the statements complained of, as well as an order directing the defendant to remove the alleged defamatory statements from all her online platforms.
The claimant is also demanding ₦50 million as the cost of prosecuting the suit, alongside 10 per cent post-judgment interest from the date of judgment until the judgment sum is fully liquidated.
The lawsuit marks a major escalation in a feud that has played out publicly for several years and is closely linked to the controversy surrounding Judy’s relationship with actor Yul Edochie and his estranged first wife, May Edochie.
The controversy erupted publicly in April 2022, after Yul announced Judy as his second wife and revealed their son.
The announcement generated widespread reactions, particularly because Yul was already married to May, his wife of many years.
Rita, who is married to Yul’s uncle, Tony Edochie, subsequently became one of the most outspoken members of the Edochie family in support of May.
Over time, Rita repeatedly criticised Judy and defended May whenever the two women became subjects of public controversy.
In one of her most notable attacks in 2023, Rita described May as Yul’s only recognised wife, while referring to Judy as a “side chic”.
The statement further fuelled the already heated public disagreement surrounding Yul’s marriages.
Rita also questioned the circumstances surrounding Judy’s relationship with Yul and repeatedly used her social media platforms to express support for May while criticising Judy.
The disagreement continued as the relationship between Yul and May deteriorated publicly.
Rita became particularly vocal whenever Yul attacked May on social media, at various points accusing Judy of influencing or being behind some of the statements attributed to Yul.
She also waded into the dispute over May’s bride price and the subsequent divorce proceedings between Yul and May, maintaining her position in support of May.
In another episode, Rita mocked reports concerning the status of Yul and Judy’s marriage, sarcastically questioning Judy’s position after claims emerged regarding the nature of the relationship.
The tension between both women did not end with the original Yul-May controversy.
In 2026, Rita again criticised Judy following comments made by Judy about marriage, accusing her of preaching lessons that she herself had allegedly failed to follow.
The situation intensified further after Judy’s former husband, Emmanuel Obasi, made allegations concerning their past relationship and Judy’s subsequent relationship with Yul during an appearance on a podcast.
Judy rejected the allegations and threatened legal action, while Rita subsequently weighed into the controversy in defence of Obasi.
The latest lawsuit now appears to have moved the battle from social media to the courtroom.
The writ of summons contained in the documents shows that Rita Edochie is the defendant, while Judy Austin is the claimant.
The document states that Rita is expected to enter an appearance within 30 days of being served with the writ, failing which Judy may proceed with the case and seek judgment in her absence.
Read also:
- 30 Years On, Tupac Murder Trial Set To Begin As Former Gang Leader Faces Court
- Actress Victoria Inyama Makes Fresh Allegations Over Alex Ekubo’s Final Days
- Yomi Casual’s Wife Reveals Emotional Struggle Behind Late Alexx Ekubo’s Final Burial Suit
- Ekubo’s Family Member Accuses Actor’s Stepmother of Sidelining Family
The suit was filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and the document indicates that it is to be served in Abuja and Anambra State.
Judy’s decision to seek ₦1 billion in damages signals a significant escalation from the social media exchanges that have characterised her relationship with Rita for years.
What began largely as a bitter family dispute surrounding Yul Edochie, May Edochie and Judy Austin has now evolved into a legal battle in which the court will be asked to determine whether the statements complained of were defamatory and whether Judy is entitled to the substantial damages and other reliefs she is seeking.
For years, Rita has publicly positioned herself as a defender of May, while Judy has repeatedly faced criticism over her relationship with Yul.
With the latest suit, however, the long-running war between the two actresses could now be heading for a courtroom showdown rather than another round of social media exchanges.
