A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Awka, Anambra State, has remanded online publisher and blogger Ejike Ofoegbu over alleged defamatory publications involving Governor Chukwuma Soludo and members of his family.
Ofoegbu, who owns Igbo Times Magazine and INews, was brought before the court on charges bordering on identity theft, defamation and cyberstalking.
Chief Magistrate C.O. Ezekwere ordered that the case file be forwarded to the Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
The magistrate also advised the defendant to apply to the High Court in Awka for bail, explaining that the Magistrates’ Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
The case was adjourned until July 27 for a report of compliance.
The complainant was represented in court by A.A. Nwanri and the Chief Security Officer to the Governor, O.K. Nkuma.
Prosecution counsel, Inspector Tochukwu Echemagu of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, told the court that Ofoegbu was facing charges linked to alleged defamatory online publications.
According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly created and published false reports about Governor Soludo and his family.
The police alleged that the publications were intended to attract online traffic and generate financial benefit.
The prosecution further claimed that the reports falsely stated that Governor Soludo had disowned his son, Ozonna.
It also alleged that the publication claimed Ozonna described his father as a drunkard who assaulted his mother.
Another allegation in the publication reportedly involved a drinking competition between the governor and a minister.
The court was told that Ofoegbu had earlier issued a public apology and retraction over the reports.
However, the prosecution said he was still facing criminal proceedings over alleged defamation, cyberstalking and identity theft.
The police said the alleged offences contravened Sections 24(1)(b) and 38 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
They also cited Sections 373 and 375 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act.
The matter is expected to continue on July 27 when the court receives a compliance report.
