By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
The Magistrate Court in Amawbia, Anambra State, has refused to grant bail to online blogger Mr. Ejike Ofoegbu, owner of Igbo Times Magazine and INews. He was brought before the court by the Anambra Police on charges related to cyberstalking, defamation, and other offenses arising from publications about Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his family.
The defendant appeared before Chief Magistrate C.O. Ezekwere of Court 1 on July 13.
Magistrate Ezekwere ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to handle the case and ordered that it be referred to the High Court of Justice in Awka. He instructed that the police case file and all related documents be compiled and sent to the Office of the Attorney General, Ministry of Justice, Awka.
Earlier, prosecution led by Officer-in-Charge of Legal A.A. Nwanna requested that the defendant be remanded in custodial detention until the case is transferred to the proper court with jurisdiction. He emphasised that the charges involve alleged cyberstalking, defamation, and other cybercrimes punishable under the Cybercrimes Act, especially Section 24(1)(b).
During the proceedings, two witnesses testified for the prosecution. One, Mr. O.K. Nkuma, Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Governor, said that the Governor brought to his attention several publications from Igbo Times Magazine and INews, which contained “despicable and unverifiable” claims that could damage the governor’s reputation and that of his family. These publications were forwarded to the Anambra Police for investigation, resulting in the defendant’s arrest in Imo State.
Additionally, Inspector Toochukwu Echenazu of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Awka, told the court that police received a formal complaint on July 9 and began investigation into the cyberstalking allegations.
The case has been adjourned to July 27, for a compliance report.
Ifeyinwa Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
