An Awka Chief Magistrate Court in Anambra State, on Monday remanded an online publisher and blogger, Ejike Ofoegbu, over alleged defamatory publications targeting Governor Chukwuma Soludo and members of his family.
The defendant, Ejike Ofoegbu, who owns Igbo Times Magazine and iNews online platforms, was ordered to be remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre, pending legal advise by the office of Director of Public Prosecution, DPP.
Presiding Magistrate C.O Ezekwere, had directed that the original Police case file and records of proceedings at the Court be transmitted to the Anambra State Attorney General and the Ministry of Justice.
The Court, however, advised the defendant to approach the State High Court for bail, noting that the Magistrate Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
The remand order followed an ex-parte application moved by Counsel to the complainant, A.A. Nwanri, but was not opposed by the defence.
Court records show that the defendant is facing charges bordering on identity theft, defamation and cyber stalking.
The prosecution told the Court that Ofoegbu allegedly created and published fabricated and defamatory reports against the Anambra State Governor and his family to attract online traffic and generate financial gains.
It alleged that the publications falsely claimed that Soludo had disowned his son, Ozonna; that the son described his father as “a drunkard who beat my mum”; and also alleged a drinking competition involving the Governor and a Minister.
The prosecution said the offences contravened Sections 24(1)(b) and 38, of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention,Etc) Act of 2015, as well as Sections 373 and 375 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act, which may attract up to a ten-year jail term.
The case was adjourned to July 27 for report of compliance to the orders of the Court.
(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)
