Sportybet Nigeria has lost a court case it instituted against some of its customers to whom it allegedly owes over N900 million in unpaid winnings.
The dispute followed actions taken by the betting platform in 2024, when it reportedly blocked and restricted accounts of certain users who had each recorded substantial winnings.
The company accused the affected customers of manipulating its system.
In response, the customers took to social media to seek help and draw attention to their plight, calling for intervention from concerned Nigerians.
Rather than settle the claims, Sportybet approached a Nigerian court, where it obtained an ex parte order aimed at restraining the customers from speaking publicly about the matter.
In its filings before the court, the company alleged that the customers had committed financial crimes.
It also sought orders to bar them from posting or speaking on the issue publicly, as well as to prevent further allegations on social media.
Additionally, Sportybet demanded N50 million in damages from the same customers it was suing.
However, the court dismissed all the claims, ruling that the company failed to establish its case.
The judge held that “the claimant is not entitled to any of the reliefs… This suit is dismissed.”
Although Sportybet had accused the customers of system manipulation, it did not present any evidence to substantiate the allegation.
The court proceedings also showed that the company did not pursue claims relating to any alleged cyber-attack, either in the same suit or separately, but instead anchored its case on defamation without proof.
The suit was consequently struck out, leaving unresolved the issue of the
alleged unpaid winnings owed to the affected customers
