‘Show your marriage certificate’ — Rita Edochie responds as Judy Austin files N1 billion defamation suit

Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has publicly challenged her colleague Judy Austin to produce a marriage certificate as a prerequisite for responding to a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit. Austin, who is suing Edochie and her former husband Emmanuel Obasi, claims they have made defamatory statements about her union with actor Yul Edochie.

Austin's lawsuit, filed through her lawyer Anozie Obi, seeks substantial damages and demands that Edochie issue a full public retraction and apology across national newspapers and her social media platforms. The suit also requests a perpetual injunction to prevent Edochie from making further defamatory statements about Austin.

Edochie, in her response posted on Instagram, stated she does not recognize Judy Austin as "Mrs. Yul Edochie." She asserted that the only "Mrs. Yul Edochie" she knows is Queen May Yul Edochie, implying that Austin's claim to the name is provocative and an insult. Edochie declared she would only address the case in court if Austin provides proof of her marriage to Yul Edochie.

“

I received a message from one Mrs Judith Yul Edochie, and up till now, I am still wondering and utterly confused about who the bearer of that name is, because I don’t know anyone by that name. As a matter of fact, the only Mrs Yul Edochie that I know is Queen May Yul Edochie. Wanting to be addressed by that name is very provocative right now, which I take as a terrible slap on the face of the Edochies.

The lawsuit also targets Emmanuel Obasi, demanding similar retractions and apologies. Austin is seeking damages and legal costs from both defendants, with a specific demand for ₦50 million in prosecution costs and 10% post-judgment interest.

Austin's legal action stems from Edochie's opposition to her relationship with Yul Edochie after he publicly acknowledged Austin. Edochie had reportedly urged Austin to leave the actor. The case highlights a significant public dispute within Nigeria's film industry, with Edochie's response adding a layer of defiance to the legal proceedings.

“

Anyway, since you are insisting on being addressed that way, I would like you to present your marriage certificate, highlighting the exact confirmation of that weird name, “Mrs Judith Yul Edochie.” Only then will I give a further response to this very message.