An Awka Chief Magistrate’s Court in Anambra State has ordered the remand of an online publisher and blogger, Ejike Ofoegbu, over alleged defamatory publications targeting Governor Chukwuma Soludo and members of his family.
Chief Magistrate C.O. Ezekwere gave the order on Monday, directing that the defendant be held at the Awka Correctional Centre pending further legal proceedings.
The court also instructed that the original police case file and records of proceedings be transmitted to the Anambra State Attorney General and Ministry of Justice for review.
However, the magistrate noted that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter and advised the defendant to approach the High Court in Awka for bail.
The remand followed an ex parte application moved by counsel to the complainant, Mr A.A. Nwanri, alongside the Chief Security Officer to the Governor, Mr O.K. Nkuma, and the prosecutor, Insp. Tochukwu Echemagu of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka.
Ofoegbu, who owns Igbo Times Magazine and INews, is facing a three-count charge bordering on identity theft, defamation, and cyberstalking.
According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly created and published fabricated and defamatory reports about the governor and his family with the intent to attract online traffic and generate financial gain.
The prosecution further alleged that the publications falsely claimed that Governor Soludo had disowned his son, Ozonna, and attributed statements to the son describing his father as abusive. It also referenced a purported drinking contest involving the governor and a minister.
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Although the defendant reportedly issued a public apology and retraction over the publications, the prosecution maintained that he remains liable for alleged criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and identity theft.
The offences are said to contravene Sections 24(1)(b) and 38 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as well as Sections 373 and 375 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act.
The case was adjourned until July 27 for a report of compliance.
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