The court sends the blogger back for allegedly defamatory story against Soludo and his family

A Magistrates Court in Awka, Anambra State has remanded online publisher and blogger Ejike Ofoegbu for allegedly defamatory publications implicating Governor Chukwuma Soludo and members of his family.

Ofoegbu, owner of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, was brought to court on charges bordering on identity theft, defamation and cyberstalking.

Chief Magistrate CO Ezekwere ordered that the case file be forwarded to the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

The magistrate also advised the accused to apply for bail at the Awka High Court, explaining that the Magistrates’ Court had no jurisdiction to hear the matter.

The case was adjourned to July 27 for a compliance report.

The complainant was represented in court by AA Nwanri and the governor’s security officer, OK Nkuma.

Prosecuting counsel, Inspector Tochukwu Echemagu of the Awka State Criminal Investigation Department, told the court that Ofoegbu was facing charges related to alleged defamatory online publications.

According to the accusation, the accused created and published false news about governor Soludo and his family.

Police said the publications were intended to attract online traffic and generate financial benefits.

The prosecution further said that reports falsely claimed that Governor Soludo had disowned his son Ozonna.

He further stated that the publication stated that Ozonna described his father as a drunkard who had assaulted his mother.

Another allegation in the publication reportedly involved a drinking contest between the governor and a minister.

The court was told that Ofoegbu had previously issued a public apology and retraction on the reports.

However, the prosecution said the man was still facing criminal proceedings for alleged defamation, cyberstalking and identity theft.

Police said the alleged offenses violated sections 24(1)(b) and 38 of the Cyber ​​Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

They also cited sections 373 and 375 of the Nigerian Penal Code Act.

The matter is expected to continue on July 27, when the court will receive a compliance report.