Crowds have taunted Nollywood actress Judy Austin during her court hearing with her in-law, Rita Edochie. It is no longer news that Judy filed a writ of summons against Rita, demanding a billion in damages, a retraction and apology, an order to pay N50 million, and a 10% post-judgment interest, and more. Kemi Filani reported that the two appeared at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja today, September 29th, 2026, where they faced off.
In photos circulating online, Judy was seen arriving and leaving the court after the hearing. Unlike Judy, who appeared in court without Yul or anyone supporting her, Rita Edochie attended the hearing with fans who flew in from abroad to show solidarity. The case has been adjourned to November 24th. In a video shared online, a crowd that gathered in front of the court was seen slamming Judy Austin for dragging her in-law to court.
In the clip, the crowd waiting outside the High Court was heard saying, “Husband snatcher, who is taking her in-law to court?” “Husband snatcher, who is taking her in-law to court?” Drama outside the premises of the High Court in Abuja as people called out Judy Austin after she left the court premises following a ₦2 billion lawsuit against veteran actress Rita Edochie and her former husband, Emmanuel… https://t.co/mW8U4UUrzE pic.twitter.com/VimOyaHf1u — CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) September 29, 2026 Hours before the court hearing, Rita mocked Judy over her fear of bigamy, saying the actress went from claiming to be a content creator to a single mother and now not being married.
She questioned how one person can change multiple titles in four years, claiming Judy denied being Mrs Edochie, but the lawsuit served had the title on it. Since the lawsuit, Rita has been constantly throwing shots at her. While reacting to the suit, she said she doesn’t know anyone bearing Judy Austin Yul Edochie, and admonished her to present her marriage certificate if she insists on being addressed that way.
Still on it, Edochie noted that though Judy isn’t the first to take someone’s husband, she will be the first to contend with karma. She vowed to face off with her in court, saying said if only Judy knows who she is, she would be cursing those who advised her to make such a move. In another post, she alleged that someone was begging her, but she wouldn’t be backing out soon. She made it known that she was prepared for the heat, doesn’t break under pressure and doesn’t bend.
While addressing those saying the lawsuit was giving her sleepless nights, she said it is an opportunity to say things she hasn’t said. Rita said she is looking forward to the day, and Judy only handed her the microphone to expose her. Two days ago, legal practitioner Emeka Ugwuonye alleged that Rita, in her filing before the Abuja court, denied making any post against Judy Austin.
Denying his claim, Rita said they were spreading false allegations against her. She questioned whether Judy didn’t snatch someone’s husband, have children with him, sleep with him in hotels and more. She admonished the actress to be calm till their court hearing.
