Nollywood actress Judy Austin has taken bold legal steps against two people at the centre of her long-running public battles, filing separate lawsuits seeking N1 billion in damages from veteran actress Rita Edochie and her ex-husband Emmanuel Obasi.
In a writ of summons filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Judicial Division, Judy accused Rita Edochie of defamation. She is demanding N1 billion in general damages, a full and unreserved retraction and apology published in at least two widely circulated national newspapers and on Rita’s social media platforms, the removal of all alleged defamatory statements from online platforms, and an order restraining further publications. She is also seeking N50 million as costs of prosecuting the suit. Rita has 30 days from the date of service to enter an appearance.
Rita Edochie, a veteran Nollywood actress and relative of Judy’s husband Yul Edochie, has repeatedly criticised Judy in public comments since the actor publicly announced their relationship. The feud has centred on accusations surrounding the breakdown of Yul’s earlier marriage to May Edochie.
On the same day, reports confirmed that Judy has also dragged her former husband, Emmanuel Obasi, to court, demanding N1 billion in damages. The couple was married before Judy’s relationship with Yul Edochie and share children.
The action against Obasi follows months of public tension. In June 2026, Obasi appeared on the Honest Bunch Podcast and made claims about the timeline of Judy’s relationship with Yul.
Read Judy Loved Yul Edochie While Married to Me — Emmanuel Obasi
Judy responded firmly in a video, dismissing the statements as false and contradictory.
Read “See You In Court!” — Judy Austin Fires Back At Ex Over Yul Drama
“Because the court of law is where you have to defend everything you’ve ever said beyond a reasonable doubt. If you must allege, you must defend it. All the lies you’ve paraded against my family and me, you will defend in court,” she said at the time.
Judy has previously described Obasi as a deadbeat father and denied restricting his access to their children. The fresh lawsuits mark a clear shift from social media exchanges to formal court processes in a saga that has gripped Nollywood audiences for years.
Both defendants are yet to publicly respond to the latest court filings. Fans and observers are watching closely as the matters proceed in Abuja.