Judy Austin Sues Rita Edochie for ₦1bn as Actress Fires Back: ‘Show Your Marriage Certificate

Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has responded to a defamation lawsuit filed against her by fellow actress Judy Austin, challenging her to provide evidence of her alleged marriage to actor Yul Edochie.

The legal dispute is the latest development in a long-running public feud involving Austin, Rita Edochie and Austin’s former husband, Emmanuel Obasi.

According to the lawsuit, Austin is seeking ₦1 billion in damages and other reliefs from Rita Edochie and separate compensation from Obasi over alleged defamatory statements.

Judy demands apology and removal of posts

In her suit against Rita Edochie, filed through her lawyer, Anozie Obi of Rubicom Legal Partners, Austin asked the court to order the actress to issue a full and unconditional retraction and apology in two national newspapers and on her social media platforms.

She also wants a permanent injunction preventing Rita, her agents or associates from publishing or circulating what she considers defamatory statements about her.

Other reliefs sought include the removal of allegedly defamatory posts from Rita’s online platforms, as well as ₦50 million in legal costs and post-judgment interest on any monetary award.

Rita Edochie challenges Judy over marriage claim

Responding to the lawsuit, Rita Edochie said she was confused about the identity of the woman claiming the name “Mrs Judith Yul Edochie.”

In a statement shared on Instagram, Rita said she does not know Austin by that name and challenged her to produce a marriage certificate showing that she is legally married to Yul Edochie.

She maintained that she would address the matter further in court after receiving such evidence.

Rita’s comments are expected to add another layer to the already highly publicised dispute surrounding Yul Edochie’s relationships and family life.

Former husband also facing legal action

Austin has also filed a separate lawsuit against her former husband, Emmanuel Obasi, demanding multiple forms of relief over allegations she says are defamatory.

Among the demands are a public retraction and apology, a permanent injunction against further publication of the alleged defamatory claims, and substantial financial compensation.

According to the claims outlined in the suit, Austin is seeking ₦500 million in aggravated damages, another ₦500 million in exemplary damages, ₦100 million in legal costs, and additional post-judgment interest.

The case stems from allegations Obasi has repeatedly made against Austin, including claims about her alleged relationship with Yul Edochie during their marriage and accusations concerning access to their children.

Austin has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that her marriage to Obasi ended in 2013 and that she did not have an intimate relationship with Yul while she was still married to Obasi.

Feud heads to court

The latest legal action represents a significant escalation of a dispute that has played out publicly for years.

With the allegations now before the courts, the controversy involving the actors and Austin’s former husband is set to move from social media battles into formal legal proceedings.