Arimu Investments Inc, owners of Aiden by Best Western Hotel in Georgetown, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, seeking  $150 million in damages over statements concerning the hotel’s ownership and the presence of police officers at the property.

The claim, filed in the High Court on Monday, alleges that videos published on Facebook and TikTok on October 16 and 18 contained false and defamatory statements capable of damaging the company’s commercial reputation and goodwill.

According to the official documents seen by this newspaper Mohamed had questioned the hotel’s beneficial ownership, suggesting that its named shareholders were merely owners “on paper”, while also alleging that police officers and a vehicle were stationed at the property around the clock.

Arimu Investments maintains that its ownership is a matter of public record and that police presence at the hotel is linked to security arrangements for visiting international dignitaries and foreign officials.

The claimant is seeking more than $100 million in defamation damages and  $50 million in aggravated damages, and additional exemplary damages.

It is also asking the court to order the removal of the videos, a public apology and retraction, and a permanent injunction against further defamatory publications.