Section 373: Definition of defamatory matter

Defamatory matter is matter likely to injure the reputation of any person by exposing
him to hatred, contempt, or ridicule, or likely to damage any person in his profession
or trade by any injury to his reputation.
Such matter may be expressed in spoken words or in any audible sounds, or in words
legibly marked on any substance whatever, or by any sign or object signifying such
matter otherwise than by words, and may be expressed either directly or by
insinuation or irony.
It is immaterial whether at the time of the publication of the defamatory matter, the
person concerning whom such matter is published is living or dead:
Provided that no prosecution for the publication of defamatory matter concerning a
dead person shall be instituted without the consent of the Attorney‐General of the
Federation.